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Coco Gauff Matches Rare Maria Sharapova Record Amid 'Mind Games' Accusation at China Open

Originally posted on EssentiallySports | By Sayantan Roy | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 10:32 AM ET

On a crisp Beijing afternoon, Coco Gauff walked onto the court, knowing her journey at the China Open wouldn’t get easier. Across the net stood Belinda Bencic, a player whose tactical smarts and fighting spirit have undone many top names. What followed was not just a tennis match – it was a rollercoaster that left fans holding their breath until the final point. Despite a mid-game controversy between Gauff and Bencic, the American tennis star forgot all that and joined Maria Sharapova.

Gauff defeated the former world number 4 by a 4-6,7-6(4),6-2 margin. This is her ninth consecutive win in Beijing, and with this win, she has now reached the QF of the China Open for the third straight time. With this incredible win over Bencic, Gauff has become the third youngest player to reach 20 QFs in Tier 1/WTA 1000 since the format’s introduction in 1990. Only Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova are above her on that list.

Last year, during Wimbledon, Sharapova gave an interview with Tennis Channel. She spoke of her admiration for the youngster, saying, “I was waiting for Coco to get up there,” believing in Gauff’s ability from the get-go. Since day one, Sharapova has come in with lofty ambitions and managed to be successful in her tennis career.

She continued, “I remember attending the first round at the US Open, which was a tough match. I went back home, and then I was contemplating coming back. I just wanted to witness her win because I think she has such an amazing game and head on her shoulders.” So, perhaps the Russians would also be proud seeing Gauff join her on this elite list. But that’s not all!

20 – Coco Gauff is the third youngest player to reach 20 quarterfinals in Tier1/WTA-1000 since the format introduction in 1990, older only than Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova. Victory. #ChinaOpen | @ChinaOpen @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/I8zzsmgP0u

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) September 30, 2025

With this win, Coco Gauff has become the third player (after Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek) to book her spot in the WTA Finals. She has qualified for the WTA Finals for the fourth consecutive year. Interestingly, other than Gauff, Maria Sharapova (2004-07) is also a player who had qualified for the WTA Finals four times by age 21 in the century. Incredible stuff from the American!

If we look at her numbers from the 2025 season, as per the WTA’s website, Coco Gauff has a win-loss record of 38-13, with her only title triumph coming at the French Open earlier this year. However, the world number 3 has made it to at least seven QFs this season. She will next play against either Eva Lys of Germany or fellow American McCartney Kessler in the SF. As mentioned, Gauff’s accusation towards Bencic also stole this match’s headlines.

Coco Gauff is “happy” to end her fierce battle on a winning note

This match had all the drama needed to be a blockbuster clash! For Coco Gauff, this wasn’t just another win—it was proof of her evolution. Matches like these, where her back is against the wall, reveal the maturity she has built over the years. For the Swiss, it was heartbreak, but also a reminder of her ability to challenge the best in the world.

Following her impressive triumph, Gauff admitted, “It was a tough match. I had chances in the first to close it out, but overall, I’m happy with how I fought. She was being really aggressive.” Intensities were quite high in this match, and there was also a flash point between the two players during a changeover in the second set. Just when the score reached 2-3 in the second set of this match, Belinda Bencic appeared frustrated with someone in the crowd cheering a Gauff winner. Seeing her gesture, Gauff said, “There’s nobody in the stadium. It’s been so respectful.” In reply, the Swiss said to her, “They can cheer after the point.” But things didn’t stop there!

Bencic went on to add, “When the point is over, it’s no problem, I don’t care. But when I’m going to the line ready to serve, they don’t need to cheer.” Gauff, sitting just a few feet away, attempted to enter the discussion, but the Swiss quickly shut her down, saying, “No one’s talking to you. She’s talking to me, okay! Your team is chatting. I’m too old for these mind games, okay!”

But did this moment cause a shift in focus for Belinda Bencic? Who knows! However, Coco Gauff is delighted to qualify again for the WTA Finals with her successive three-set wins in this “tough tournament” in Beijing. What are your thoughts about Gauff’s performance in this match?

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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