As the WTA Madrid Open heats up, all eyes are on the Round of 16 matches scheduled for April 27, 2025. Among the most anticipated clashes is the showdown between fourth-seeded Coco Gauff and the talented Belinda Bencic. This match not only brings together two of the brightest stars in women’s tennis but also showcases a thrilling rivalry that has seen its share of dramatic encounters.
Coco Gauff, currently ranked 4th in the WTA rankings, is coming off a rollercoaster journey to the Round of 16. After receiving a bye in the first round, she faced Dayana Yastremska in the second round. Gauff started poorly, dropping the first set 0-6, but showcased her resilience by rallying to win the next two sets with scores of 6-2 and 7-5, securing a hard-fought victory. She then advanced to the third round, where she defeated Ann Li in straight sets, demonstrating her capability to bounce back and perform under pressure.
On the other side of the court, Belinda Bencic has also shown impressive form in Madrid. The 42nd-ranked player in the WTA rankings won her first two matches in straight sets against Zeynep Sonmez and Clara Tauson, respectively. In the third round, she faced a tougher challenge against Beatriz Haddad Maia but emerged victorious after a grueling three-set battle. Bencic’s ability to grind out tough matches makes her a formidable opponent for Gauff.
The head-to-head record between Gauff and Bencic stands at 2-2, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry. Their first encounter was at the Adelaide 500 semifinals in 2021, where Bencic triumphed in three sets. Gauff then leveled the score in 2023 during the quarterfinals in Washington, D.C., winning comfortably in straight sets. Their most recent match was at the Australian Open in January 2025, where Gauff came from behind to win after dropping the first set. However, Bencic struck back at Indian Wells in March 2025, winning in three sets after losing the first.
Despite their balanced record, many tennis analysts are leaning towards Gauff for this match. The young American has an impressive 73% win rate on clay and has reached significant milestones in her career, including a Grand Slam title and a strong performance at the French Open. Her experience on clay, coupled with her powerful baseline game, gives her an edge over Bencic, who has historically struggled on this surface.
In addition to their on-court battles, both players have garnered attention for their off-court interactions. Recently, Gauff shared a humorous moment during a press conference about a fan who got her autograph tattooed on their arm, showcasing her growing popularity and the connection she has with her supporters.
As the match approaches, the excitement builds not only for the players but also for the fans who eagerly anticipate a thrilling contest. With both players having something to prove, this Round of 16 clash promises to be a highlight of the tournament.
In other matches on the same day, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Peyton Stearns, after their dramatic encounter at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open where Sabalenka saved four match points to win. Sabalenka, a two-time Madrid Open champion, is expected to showcase her best clay-court tennis and is favored to win in straight sets.
Additionally, Iga Swiatek, the four-time French Open champion, will take on Diana Shnaider. Swiatek has been in excellent form, having dropped only three games across her first two matches. Analysts predict her to win comfortably against Shnaider, who has shown promise but faces a tough challenge on clay.
Madison Keys is another player to watch as she faces Donna Vekic. Keys holds a 3-1 advantage over Vekic in their head-to-head record and is favored to win, although Vekic has shown significant improvement lately, including a strong performance at Roland Garros.
As the WTA Madrid Open continues, the excitement and tension are palpable as players vie for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals. Fans can expect thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and possibly some upsets as the tournament progresses. With Gauff and Bencic set to clash, the stakes are high, and tennis enthusiasts around the world can’t wait to see how this match unfolds.
