Coco Gauff‘s entourage faced accusations of psychological tactics during a heated confrontation between the reigning champion and rival Belinda Bencic at the China Open.
Former Olympic gold medallist Bencic expressed displeasure over what she described as disruption from Gauff’s coaching team whilst serving.
When Gauff interrupted as Bencic aired her grievances to the official, the Swiss player retorted sharply: “No one’s talking to you. Your team is chatting. I’m too old for these mind games.”
The confrontation ultimately benefited Gauff, however, as the second seed overcame her early setback to reverse the match’s momentum and secure a 4-6 7-6 (4) 6-2 triumph, advancing to the quarter-finals.
Speaking afterwards, Gauff revealed: “I knew she said something to my team, but I didn’t know exactly what. They told me she said, ‘Shut up’. I didn’t hear it, so I can only go based off of what they said.
“I was telling her to be respectful. I’ve been nice with her team off court. We’ve been nice with each other. I just didn’t like that comment towards my team. We moved on after that. I haven’t spoken to her since. She’s entitled to how she felt and I’m entitled to how I respond.
“Immediately after that, next game, I was frustrated, threw in three double (faults). But after that I was just like, ‘OK, I don’t want to lose anymore after this point’.
“I obviously have a lot of respect for Belinda. She’s a great player, coming back and playing great tennis as a mom. I obviously wish today didn’t happen, but it is what it is.”