Coco Gauff Reaches Toronto Semifinals After Bencic Withdraws With Injury
Coco Gauff has advanced to the National Bank Open semifinals in Toronto without hitting a ball after Belinda Bencic withdrew from their quarterfinal clash with a hip injury.
The fourth-seeded American was scheduled to face Bencic on Tuesday, but the Swiss star was unable to compete after struggling with an injury that had troubled her since Wimbledon.
The walkover sends Gauff into the final four in Toronto for the first time in her career and gives her another opportunity to challenge for a major WTA title during the North American hard-court swing.
Bencic Forced to Withdraw From Toronto Quarterfinal
Bencic announced her withdrawal shortly before the scheduled match, bringing an end to an impressive run at the tournament.
The 2015 Toronto champion had defeated Sloane Stephens, Taylor Townsend and Alexandra Eala to reach the quarterfinals.
However, the physical demands of her run proved difficult to overcome.
Bencic had already admitted after her opening-round victory that she was unsure whether she would be able to compete in Toronto because of an ongoing injury following Wimbledon.
She also required significant taping during her matches and played a lengthy three-hour, 24-minute battle against Townsend in the third round.
Despite initially recovering well, Bencic ultimately decided she could not take the risk of playing Gauff.
“I tried everything possible to be ready for tonight,” Bencic said in a statement.
She added that she was looking forward to returning to Toronto in the future.
Gauff Gets First Toronto Semifinal Appearance
The withdrawal gives Gauff her first-ever National Bank Open semifinal appearance.
The American has already enjoyed a strong 2026 season, reaching the championship matches in Miami and Rome while also making semifinal appearances at Wimbledon and Dubai.
Her progress in Toronto now gives her another chance to reach a final and add another major tournament victory to her season.
Gauff will return to action on Wednesday with a place in the Toronto final at stake.
Gauff to Face Rybakina in the Semifinals
Gauff's opponent will be Elena Rybakina, who defeated Naomi Osaka in a three-set quarterfinal.
The second-seeded Kazakh came from behind to beat Osaka 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4, overcoming a difficult challenge to secure her semifinal place.
Rybakina's serve was particularly effective, with the Wimbledon champion producing 15 aces during the contest.
She also showed her resilience after Osaka led 4-2 in the second set. Rybakina recovered to force a tiebreak, levelled the match and then produced the decisive break in the third set.
The semifinal will be the second meeting between Gauff and Rybakina.
Their only previous encounter came in the round of 32 at Toronto in 2022, when Gauff edged Rybakina 6-4, 6-7(8), 7-6(3).
Gauff's Route to the Toronto Semifinals
Gauff's progress to the final four has come without dropping a set on court, although her quarterfinal was ultimately decided by Bencic's withdrawal.
Her semifinal against Rybakina will provide a much tougher test, with both players targeting a place in Thursday's final.
The matchup also gives Gauff an opportunity to build momentum ahead of the upcoming Cincinnati Open and the US Open hard-court swing.
Swiatek and Svitolina Meet in the Other Semifinal
The other Toronto semifinal will feature Iga Swiatek and Elina Svitolina.
Swiatek booked her place in the final four with a dominant victory over Diana Shnaider, while Svitolina continued her strong run by defeating her quarterfinal opponent.
Swiatek holds a 4-3 advantage over Svitolina in their career head-to-head record, although the Ukrainian has won both of their meetings in 2026.
The winners of the two semifinals will meet in the National Bank Open final.
Gauff vs Rybakina: What to Know
- Tournament: National Bank Open
- Round: Semifinal
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Coco Gauff: Fourth seed
- Elena Rybakina: Second seed
- Previous meetings: Gauff leads 1-0
- Gauff's first Toronto semifinal: Yes
- Bencic's withdrawal: Hip injury
- Other semifinal: Iga Swiatek vs Elina Svitolina
Gauff's unexpected route into the semifinals has kept her title hopes alive, but Rybakina now stands between the American and a place in the Toronto final.
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