HOT: China Open 2025 is hotter than ever when Belinda Bencic openly provoked Coco Gauff in the middle of the match. But Gauff did not give in, responding with an action that made the whole stadium explode in the middle of the match.

Tension Explodes at China Open 2025: Belinda Bencic “Challenges” Coco Gauff, Champion Fires Back-hm

What was supposed to be a high-level tennis showdown turned into one of the most dramatic clashes of the season. In their heated China Open 2025 battle, Belinda Bencic accused Coco Gauff of “mind games,” sparking a war of words that electrified the crowd and divided the tennis world. Gauff, however, didn’t just respond with her racquet—she delivered a bold retort that instantly went viral.

Belinda Bencic: “I’m Too Old for These Mind Games”
Coco Gauff rallies to win against Belinda Bencic at China Open | Tennis News | Al Jazeera

The drama began in the second set, when Bencic, who had taken the opener 6–4, was fighting to hold off a surging Gauff. Frustrated by the noise coming from Gauff’s box, she voiced her anger to the chair umpire—and directly at the American:

“Your team is chatting before every point. I’m too old for these mind games, okay?”

The Swiss star’s outburst was met with gasps and murmurs across the crowd. Commentators immediately picked up on the tension, pointing out that while coaching from the stands has always been a grey area, Bencic’s frustration seemed to cross into psychological territory.

Coco Gauff’s Cold-Blooded Response
If Bencic expected Gauff to stay quiet, she was mistaken. The 21-year-old American stood tall and fired back with a cutting line that summed up her no-nonsense mentality:

“You’re the one playing the mind games. I’m just playing tennis.”

The response drew a roar from the Beijing crowd and shifted the momentum of the match. While Bencic appeared rattled, Gauff seemed to feed off the energy, her confidence soaring with every passing point.

The Match Turns Into a Battle of Nerves

war of words: Russian legend Maria Sharapova publicly blasted compatriot Kamilla Rakhimova for making mocking and allegedly offensive comments about Coco Gauff during a match in China. Sharapova demanded Rakhimova issue a public apology to American fans, Gauff, and tennis legends across the United States. But in a shocking twist, Rakhimova fired back with exactly 7 words that left the press stunned