On a crisp Beijing afternoon, Coco Gauff walked onto the court knowing her journey at the China Open won’t get easier. Across the net stood Belinda Bencic, a player whose tactical smarts and fighting spirit have undone many top names. What followed was not just a tennis match – it was a rollercoaster that left fans holding their breath until the final point.

Gauff entered this match with a 3-2 record against the Swiss. This year, they had already faced each other three times before this, but the American had the last laugh twice this season. So, Bencic was very keen to bring things on level terms with Gauff with a win in this epic duel. From the very first rally, the intensity was unmistakable. Bencic’s clean ball-striking set the tone, pushing Gauff into uncomfortable corners. For a whil

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