Belinda Bencic defends rival Coco Gauff from serving criticism in Charleston

Q. You simply performed her in Miami, however might you discuss Coco Gauff and what makes her so robust to beat?

BELINDA BENCIC: She’s a tricky opponent. We have some nice matches each time we play, and it is actually admirable how she strikes. You positively really feel just like the court docket is far smaller. I wish to assault, after all, and she or he makes it actually exhausting. She makes you replay balls. Her serve can also be very robust. I do know she will get a variety of feedback and this and that, however her serve is excellent. It’s very quick when she places it in. Of course, generally you may have some issues with the rhythm and every thing, however I do not suppose she ought to get so many unfavorable feedback as a result of her sport may be very distinctive and a really totally different rhythm. She adjustments pace and spins and rhythm. She actually can play in all places in the court docket, and in addition she’s shifting nice. So, she’s clearly a really deserving No. 3 or No. 4 in the world.

A former world No. 4, Bencic has been more and more open with the media since returning to motion from maternity go away in 2025. Earlier in her Media Day interview, she spoke frankly about coping with menstrual cramps by means of her loss to Gauff on the Hard Rock Stadium.

“I don’t think it’s a taboo topic anymore, which I love,” stated Bencic, who’s the No. 3 seed in Charleston. “I think other female athletes have also spoken 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 in opposition to Dayana Yastremska on Tuesday.