MIAMI, FL – Coco Gauff battled through another three-set match on Monday, defeating Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the Miami Open. The victory marks a significant milestone in the 22-year-old American’s career: she has now reached the quarterfinal stage at all 10 current WTA 1000 tournaments.
The Miami Open had been the only WTA 1000 event where Gauff hadn’t previously reached the quarterfinal round. She had previously reached the fourth round at the tournament in 2022, 2024 and 2025, but had never advanced further. This year, though, Gauff overcame a resilient Cirstea in a contest that highlighted her mental fortitude and ability to adapt.
“I guess it wouldn’t have to happen any other way than to put some work in,” Gauff said after the match. “I think in the previous times I’ve played here, I’ve had some tough matches. Maybe mentally wasn’t in there. Today I just wanted to stay mentally in there.”
The match was characterized by numerous breaks of serve, with neither player able to consistently hold. Through the first two sets, each player broke the other five times. Gauff ultimately found a rhythm in the deciding set, holding all of her service games and securing the victory. Cirstea acknowledged her own struggles with her serve as a key factor in the loss. “My serve worked really well until today,” Cirstea said. “I think today my serve was the one that let me down. I would have loved to be able to just hold serve.”
Gauff’s path to the quarterfinals hasn’t been easy. She has been forced to play three consecutive three-set matches, demonstrating her physical and mental resilience. This latest win solidifies her position as a leading force in women’s tennis and underscores her consistent performance at the highest levels of the sport.
Beyond the on-court battle, Gauff recently revealed a step back from social media, specifically Twitter, citing a “toxic” environment. “I haven’t used Twitter for months, it has become a bit toxic,” she stated, indicating a conscious effort to prioritize her mental well-being. This decision reflects a growing trend among athletes who are actively managing their online presence and protecting themselves from negativity.
The young American’s success in Miami comes after a strong showing at Indian Wells earlier this month, where she continued to demonstrate her upward trajectory. The Miami Open is particularly significant for Gauff as her hometown tournament, adding an extra layer of motivation and support from the local crowd.
Gauff will now face Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals. Bencic upset Amanda Anisimova to advance, setting up a compelling matchup between two talented players. The Swiss player will present a different challenge for Gauff, requiring a strategic adjustment and continued focus.
This achievement places Gauff among an elite group of players who have consistently performed well across the WTA 1000 circuit. She is now the youngest player on the WTA Tour to reach the quarterfinals at every existing 1000 event since the format was introduced in 2009.
Looking ahead, Gauff has her sights set on completing a career sweep of WTA 1000 semifinals, with Doha, Miami, and Canada remaining as the only tournaments where she hasn’t reached that stage. She has already secured three WTA 1000 titles: Cincinnati in 2023, Beijing in 2024, and Wuhan in 2025, demonstrating her ability to win at the highest level.
The quarterfinals match against Bencic is scheduled for tonight at 7 PM ET and will be broadcast live on The Tennis Channel. Fans can also follow updates and scores on the official Miami Open website.
What’s Next: Coco Gauff will face Belinda Bencic in the Miami Open quarterfinals tonight at 7 PM ET (live on The Tennis Channel).
What are your thoughts on Coco Gauff’s performance? Share your predictions for her match against Belinda Bencic in the comments below!
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