Belinda Bencic Withdraws from National Bank Open with Hip Injury

What Happened

Belinda Bencic has withdrawn from her quarterfinal match at the National Bank Open in Toronto because of a hip injury. This withdrawal allows her opponent, Coco Gauff, to advance to the semifinals. Bencic expressed regret for not being able to compete, stating her desire to play in front of the Toronto fans and that she had tried her best to be ready.

Bencic had previously reached the quarterfinals by defeating Sloane Stephens, Taylor Townsend, and Alexandra Eala. She had indicated after Wimbledon that a lingering injury was causing challenges, making her uncertain about participating in Toronto. Despite this, she was pleased to have competed and won her initial matches. She noted that recovery had been slow, causing some concern about her ability to play in the tournament. Bencic was seen with significant taping on her leg during matches, which she found helpful. After a lengthy third-round match against Taylor Townsend, she reported recovering well and felt physically unhindered in her subsequent match against Eala, though she acknowledged not yet being at peak fitness due to reduced practice post-Wimbledon.

Background

Bencic, the 2015 champion of the Toronto tournament, is scheduled to compete next in Cincinnati.

Key Facts

• Belinda Bencic withdrew from the National Bank Open quarterfinal in Toronto due to a hip injury.
• Coco Gauff advanced to the semifinals as a result of Bencic's withdrawal.
• Bencic had reached the quarterfinal stage by defeating Sloane Stephens, Taylor Townsend, and Alexandra Eala.
• The athlete had been managing a nagging injury after Wimbledon, which affected her practice and readiness for the Toronto tournament.
• Bencic is scheduled to play in Cincinnati next.