Gauff referred to the controversy with Bencic in Beijing: “I told him that …”

While the Italian Jannik Sinner (2nd) assured his pass to the definition in the male branch, the American Coco Gauff (3rd) Fight with nails and teeth to sign an incredible comeback in front of the Switzerland Belinda Bencic (16th) in the Beijing WTA 1000but not before starring in a tense moment that would quickly go around the world.

After giving the second manga in the tie-breakerthe one born in Flawil, 28 years old and last semifinalist of Wimbledon, which would finally fall 4-6, 7-6 (4) and 6-2 in almost two hours of ball, would go completely obfuscated towards the chair judge, arguing that the rival work team did not respect the classic moments of silence during each point: “I’m already old for this psychological game“

Once her classification was sealed, the American youth would not evade the controversy: “I know he told my team but I don’t know exactly what. They told me that they told them to shut up. I didn’t hear it, so I can only rely on what they told me. I guess I was upset because they encouraged me. The stadium was silent so you can listen to both teams. I played the previous rounds, in my two games the other team could be heard quite strong and of course because it is silent. “

Subsequently, the owner of 10 titles, two from Grand Slam, would extend her version of the facts: “It does not bother me. I was telling him to be respectful. I have been pleasant with your team outside the court, we have been pleasant between us. I just didn’t like that comment towards my team. Then we move on. We did not speak since then, she told how she felt and I how I responded. “

“Immediately after that, in the next GameI was frustrated. I committed three double offenses. But then I thought ‘Well, I don’t want to lose more after this point’. I was able to adjust my belt. I think it was positive for me somehow. I think I can play a little better when I’m upset, not with myself but with something else“, confessed the native of Delray Beach, Florida, of only 21, which got into 20th opportunity among the eight best of an event of the category.

In the same tune, Jean Christophe Faurel’s pupil said: “I am not a confrontative person. I don’t like to confront the court. But it happens. It is sport. I think I only had two problems in the Tour. How do I handle it? I am not someone who usually starts it but I am quite fast to answer. I don’t like people to be disrespectful. I feel to tell my team that it was not pleasant. Especially because they were screaming after a winner. “

“The worst is if you have a fight and then you lose. It’s like a defeat-driver. I just wanted to win to be on the winning side of things today. Obviously I have a lot of respect for Belinda. She is a great player, return as a mother and play a great tennis. I would have liked that it would not have happened but it is what it is“, concluded Gauff, which will face the German Eva Lys (66th) this Wednesday.

All Beijing WTA 1000 activity can be followed live by Disney+ Premium Plan.