Gauff reveals the surreal situation she experienced against Bencic at Wimbledon

Pedro de Pablos | 6 Jul 2026 | 00.48

Gauff reveals the surreal situation she experienced against Bencic at Wimbledon. Source: Getty Images.

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Coco Gauff has taken a giant step at Wimbledon 2026 after knocking out Belinda Bencic and reaching the quarterfinals at the All England Club for the first time. Moreover, she achieved this at the last minute, leading to a surreal anecdote that she explained at a press conference, surprising everyone present.

At Wimbledon, the rule states that matches are suspended at 11:00 p.m. to avoid disturbing the neighbors. Gauff was serving to win the match at 10:58 p.m., but she didn't know there was still time to finish the game. In her mind, she had only 2 minutes to close the match, so she hurried with the serve and even tried to rush to the net. In fact, she left an iconic celebration by pointing at her wrist to note the time when it ended.

Gauff reveals what it was like to play against the clock in the final games

Honestly, I was thinking about it throughout the match. Before the match, we were told that it would end at 11:00. We started the third set at 10:05. It should have been enough time to finish the set, but I was unsure. Then we had a couple of long games. Suddenly, it was 10:45, and I thought, "Oh my goodness." I didn't want to come back to play tomorrow. I was just trying to get a break advantage and maintain it because I thought, "I'd rather serve with a break lead than the other way around." Yes, I didn't realize that once we started the last game, they would let us finish it, no matter how long it took. I thought it would end no matter what at 11:00. It was good to know for next time, so I wouldn't have to rush that much. They told us before the match that it would end at 11:00. They didn't mention there would be one more game or anything like that. If they did, I didn't see it.

Match against Bencic

I think it was a match of high quality from both sides. It was exciting, to be honest. I think this has been, so far, my best match of the tournament, probably one of my best matches on grass. I'm very proud of the level I showed today.

Confidence after raising the level on grass

Yes, I think today I hit my forehand much better, being aggressive at times. Honestly, playing against someone like her on grass is not always the best match for me. She hits very flat. Grass just enhances it. I definitely think it gives me confidence knowing that I can. I feel like I won many of the baseline exchanges. It wasn't just about defending. I feel like today gave me a lot of confidence. Even if I had lost the match, I think I would have walked away with confidence. She reached the semifinals here last year. This is a tournament where she feels quite comfortable.

Gauff analyzes her upcoming match against Pegula

Honestly, it's going to be quite similar. She will be the third flat-hitter I face consecutively. I think the last two matches have prepared me well for her. Yes, she's always a tough opponent for me. She's very consistent, retrieves a lot of balls, and can also play very aggressively.

Feelings about the serve

Overall, it was good. I had a match that I don't even know how I won, where I made many double faults. Then I managed to find my rhythm. After that match, I think everything went quite well. I feel like I want to be more consistent with powerful serves,
but I also think what I learned from my last match against Claire is that it's not just about serving hard, because good returners start to figure it out. Today I tried to vary my game and keep her guessing.

Improvement with the forehand

I think it's simply about working on the technical aspects we've been focusing on. Also, it's about trusting and believing in it. When I lose matches or fall behind, that's when I can relax. I just accept that I will make mistakes. In the first set, I missed some shots, perhaps because I didn't fully commit. After the first set, I feel that almost every time I missed, on both sides, it was because I committed and just missed the shot. I think it's a feeling I need to remember because sometimes I think: What if I had made the shot? I also think: I should try it. Anyway, if I just make it, especially on this surface, I'll likely lose the point. I prefer to commit and give it a try.

Recognizing when a mistake is beneficial

Honestly, I think it's something I can also feel. You can feel when playing if you haven't fully committed to a shot or not. I don't have the issue of always hitting too hard. I don't think I'm that kind of player. For me, it's about making sure I commit. I'm sure there are players who have to work on not taking too many risks. But I think I'm one of those who constantly need to remind myself to keep trying.

Advantage if playing on Centre Court against Pegula, who has never played there

Well, I don't think it's an advantage whether you play there or not. Perhaps if I play in the first round and face someone younger who has never been in this situation, not even in the quarterfinals, I don't know, maybe someone younger. That doesn't always work. Maybe. But regarding Jess, no, she has too much experience on the big stages. I don't think that will influence the match. It's crazy. I've been lucky to play on that court. I don't know why I've never had a good record here. It was crazy. I remember at the beginning of my career being surprised to be scheduled to play in the first round. Even when I was 15 years old, they put me on Centre Court. I had a good match. I am definitely honored to have had good experiences on that court.
But it's amazing to think about, the careers Madi and Jess had. I just say it's luck. Maybe they like me here (smiles).

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Gauff revela la surrealista situación que vivió ante Bencic en Wimbledon

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