Q. You just played her in Miami, but could you talk about Coco Gauff and what makes her so tough to beat?
BELINDA BENCIC: She’s a tough opponent. We have some great matches every time we play, and it’s really admirable how she moves. You definitely feel like the court is much smaller. I like to attack, of course, and she makes it really hard. She makes you replay balls. Her serve is also very tough. I know she gets a lot of comments and this and that, but her serve is very good. It’s very fast when she puts it in. Of course, sometimes you can have some problems with the rhythm and everything, but I don’t think she should get so much negative comments because her game is very unique and a very different rhythm. She changes speed and spins and rhythm. She really can play everywhere in the court, and also she’s moving great. So, she’s obviously a very deserving No. 3 or No. 4 in the world.
A former world No. 4, Bencic has been increasingly open with the media since returning to action from maternity leave in 2025. Earlier in her Media Day interview, she spoke frankly about dealing with menstrual cramps through her loss to Gauff at the Hard Rock Stadium.
“I don’t think it’s a taboo topic anymore, which I love,” said Bencic, who is the No. 3 seed in Charleston. “I think other female athletes have also spoke about being done hiding this topic.
“It’s no excuse if you lose a match, but it’s something we deal with.”
Champion in Charleston in 2022, Bencic will play her opening match against Dayana Yastremska on Tuesday.
