Gauff Cruises Past Bencic, Sets Sights on Muchova in Miami Semi-Finals

Gauff celebrates win

Coco Gauff battles past Belinda Bencic to face Karolina Muchova in Miami Open semi-finals, seeking first final appearance.

Coco Gauff takes on Karolina Muchova in Miami Open semi-finals, having won all five previous meetings...

Coco Gauff has made it to the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time, beating Belinda Bencic 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in a thrilling match. Gauff, who's ranked fourth, had doubts about playing in Miami due to a left-arm injury that forced her to pull out of Indian Wells.

Gauff's victory wasn't easy, as she faced a tough opponent in Bencic. She trailed 3-2 in the deciding set but managed to turn it around, breaking back to level at 3-3 and eventually sealing the win. This marks a big milestone for Gauff, who's now the youngest American to reach the women's singles semi-finals in Miami since Serena Williams in 2004.

Gauff's next opponent will be Karolina Muchova, whom she's beaten all five times they've met. Despite her strong record, Gauff knows Muchova will be a tough opponent.

The 22-year-old American, originally from Florida and now based in Delray Beach, was dead set on making a deep run in her hometown tournament, having previously only made it to the last 16.

Gauff's sheer grit was on full display on the Hard Rock Stadium's main court as she battled past a resilient Bencic, weathering fluctuating form to snatch victory.

“I honestly didn't think I would be in the semis so I'm really happy and proud of myself,” Gauff said.

“I think I proved a lot to myself this week, and I feel like with each match I'm getting better.

“Even though I'm still playing three sets, I feel like the level is getting better and better.”

Gauff, the French Open champ, will take on Czech 13th seed Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals as she chases her first Miami final appearance.

Gauff's got the perfect record against Muchova, winning all five of their previous clashes.

Defense like you wouldn't believe 🤯@CocoGauff | #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/RjEm2aEGS4

— wta (@WTA) March 25, 2026

“You don't think about the head-to-head,” Gauff said.

“There's so many matches that we play that could go either way. I don't really think about it -- especially when I play here, because I know how good she is.”

Muchova made it to the semi-finals with a thrilling 7-5, 7-6(5) win over Canadian 10th seed Victoria Mboko.

The 29-year-old Muchova knows she's got a tough task ahead, admitting she has everything to prove against Gauff.

“I don't have the best record against Coco, but I feel good,” Muchova said. “And you never know.”

MIAMI GOES CRAZY FOR COCO 🗣️@CocoGauff heads to first semifinal in the 305!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/fs4y0xCG66

— wta (@WTA) March 25, 2026

Muchova, 29, wasn't fazed by the age gap, saying she didn't feel at a disadvantage against the teenaged Mboko.

“I keep getting these questions this week like I'm really old or something,” Muchova said.

“I don't feel that old -- I feel like I'm still pretty young. In my head, I could be 20.”