‘Disappointed’ Belinda Bencic Issues Apology After Her Withdrawal Sends Coco Gauff Into Toronto Semifinals

Coco Gauff has advanced to the semifinals of the Canadian Open without winning her quarterfinal clash, as Belinda Bencic was forced to withdraw from the tournament before their highly anticipated showdown. Despite being unable to compete, Bencic still came out to address the Toronto crowd and explain her decision to pull out.

Why Belinda Bencic Withdrew from the Canadian Open Before Her Quarterfinal Against Coco Gauff

Bencic produced an impressive campaign at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto, beating Sloane Stephens, Taylor Townsend, and Alexandra Eala to reach the quarterfinals. However, the Swiss was also open about facing physical struggles during her run, revealing that she had even considered skipping the tournament after picking up an injury at Wimbledon.

“I had some challenges after Wimbledon, you know, with a little ongoing injury, so wasn’t really sure that I’m going to play here, so I’m really happy that I made it and won the first round,” Bencic told the press after her second-round win.

Bencic also revealed that she was not yet fully fit after emerging victorious against Eala. The fitness concerns have now forced her unfortunate withdrawal at the Canadian Open.

After withdrawing from her quarterfinal showdown against Coco Gauff, Bencic arrived at Centre Court and issued a heartfelt apology to the spectators for having to pull out.

“I’m really, really sorry. I’m well aware that all of you came out tonight to support us and I’m really sorry we cannot give you the match. I really tried all I could to be ready for tonight,” Bencic said.

Expressing her disappointment, the world No. 14 explained that her hip issues had forced the withdrawal after all the remedies she tried proved ineffective. She also revealed that it was ultimately an easy decision since her injury left her with no other option.

“I have some hip issues, it’s pinching a lot. I tried to warm up. I tried to tape it, tried to take painkillers and none of that really worked,” she said. “So, I’m really sad and disappointed not to be able to play tonight, especially in front of you all and on this beautiful court.”

“Well, it was quite easy. I couldn’t really move so I don’t think I had much of a choice. Even if I would come out, I just wouldn’t be able to be even close to my best. It was really not possible tonight,” she added.

Bencic wrapped by expressing her gratitude to the crowd for their support and said she was eager to return to the tournament in the future.

“Thank you so much for all the support. You know, I played such a good match the last match and I was so excited to play tonight and show another good match. I always love to play here in Toronto. I have the best memories and it’s just really heartbreaking tonight but I hope to be back and get another chance to play here,” she concluded.

Belinda Bencic will hope to regain full fitness in time for her opening match at the Cincinnati Open. Having received a first-round bye as the No. 12 seed at the WTA 1000 event, Bencic will not be required to take the court for her tournament opener before Saturday, August 15.

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Meanwhile, No. 4 seed Coco Gauff is set to face No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina in the semifinals in Toronto, bringing an end to the long wait for their second tour-level encounter. Their only previous meeting took place at the 2022 Canadian Open, where Gauff claimed a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(8), 7-6(3) victory.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.