Coco Gauff secured an unprecedented place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals by defeating Belinda Bencic in a thrilling race against the clock, just two minutes before the mandatory suspension of play due to the famous 11 PM curfew. Known for faltering on serve during crucial moments, the American opted for an aggressive and bold approach at the end of the match, aware that she needed to finish right there to avoid a grueling return the next day.
The clash between Gauff and Bencic began late on Court 1, with the clock always pressing both players. The decisive set started at 10:05 PM, and with the threat of the end of the day looming, Gauff opened with a service break, only to see Bencic level it at 2-2. Under immense pressure, the American switched from her usual defensive style to an offensive posture, relying on powerful shots and net approaches, which allowed her to secure another break and serve for the match at 5-4, just minutes before the deadline.
In the tenth game, Gauff unleashed several winners and sealed the victory with a service-volley point, something uncommon in her repertoire but proved fatal for her Swiss opponent. The final whistle sounded precisely at 10:58 PM, securing a historic spot in the quarter-finals at the All England Club.
In the end, Gauff did not hide her relief and happiness at the achievement, sharing in a court interview: “I was looking at the clock during the last service game. I thought ‘I have to hit powerful serves and strong shots,’” she confessed. “Honestly, at that match point, I went for a serve-and-volley because I really wanted to close out the point. It was probably the most dramatic finish I’ve ever experienced. I had never had to run against the clock before. In tennis, we’re not used to having a clock, but today I really felt that pressure. I’m glad I didn’t choose basketball,” she concluded with a smile.
Later, at the press conference, the 22-year-old admitted she did not know that, once the last game started before 11 PM, it could be completed even if it went past the time limit: “We started the third set at 10:05 PM, which should have been enough, but we had some long games,” Gauff explained. “I really didn’t want to have to come back tomorrow. I had no idea that by starting the last game, we could finish it, no matter how long it took.”
Gauff’s celebration, pointing to her wrist in reference to the time, was emblematic of the moment. Beyond the symbolism, the victory marks the first appearance of the 2023 US Open and 2025 Roland Garros champion in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon, the last of the Grand Slams where she had yet to break through to the last sixteen.
Despite winning easily in the opening round against Tamara Korpatsch, Gauff had to fight in three sets in the subsequent matches against Solana Sierra and Claire Lu, before defeating Bencic after losing the first set. Now, she faces Jessica Pegula, a compatriot with whom she has a negative record of 3-5. Gauff arrives boosted by the confidence of someone who already knows what it is like to win Grand Slam titles, which could be decisive in this new chapter of her career.
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