Coco Gauff continues her impressive run at the China Open, reaching the quarterfinals for the third consecutive year. The World No. 3 feels particularly at ease in Beijing, a city where she has flourished and captured the 2024 China Open title.
A Special Fan Experience
Gauff has always enjoyed strong fan support, but one fan, Hans, has stood out during this tournament. After her hard-fought three-set victory over Belinda Bencic in the fourth round, Gauff spoke warmly about him:
“There’s a fan named Hans. He’s going to see this because he watches every interview of mine. He’s been here since day one. He gifted me CDs because he knows I like physical forms of music. He made a Love Island poster for me and gave me a letter the other day. For me, he’s the most touching fan that I’ve met here. He’s always so kind and respectful.”
Hans even helps other fans by acting as a courier for those who couldn’t attend the tournament, showing remarkable dedication:
“He helps out other fans that couldn’t make it and brings their gifts to me. He’s not only giving stuff for himself but for people that couldn’t make it. I think that’s so nice.”
Upcoming Quarterfinal
Gauff will now face Eva Lys in the quarterfinals. The German, ranked 66th, is making her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance, having also scored her first-ever Top 10 victory against Elena Rybakina earlier this week.
With this win over Bencic, Gauff became the third player to qualify for the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh, joining Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.