Swiss tennis player Belinda Bencic withdrew from the National Bank Open quarterfinal in Toronto on August 11, 2026, due to a hip injury, allowing Coco Gauff to advance to the semifinals via walkover.
Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic withdrew from the National Bank Open quarterfinal in Toronto on August 11, 2026, citing a hip injury, marking a significant shift in the tournament’s dynamics. The 12th-seeded Bencic, a former Toronto champion, had reached the quarterfinals by defeating Alexandra Eala of the Philippines but was unable to face Coco Gauff, the fourth seed, who advanced to the semifinals without playing. I am really sorry to not be able to compete tonight,
Bencic said in a statement, expressing her disappointment at missing the opportunity to play in front of Toronto’s fans. This is an amazing tournament and I was really looking forward to playing in front of the great fans here in Toronto.
Bencic’s Withdrawal and Statements
Bencic’s withdrawal came after she had already navigated a challenging path to the quarterfinals, including a three-hour, 24-minute match against Taylor Townsend. She admitted to ongoing struggles following Wimbledon, stating, I had some challenges after Wimbledon, with a little ongoing injury, so wasn't really sure that I'm going to play here.
Despite her reservations, Bencic competed, citing her love for the tournament. Obviously I love this tournament a lot, so I did all I could,
she said, adding that her recovery from the injury had been slower than expected. She also mentioned the physical toll of her matches, stating, I do feel like I'm not up to fitness yet, because I had some challenges after Wimbledon a little bit, not being able to practice so much.
Bencic played with significant taping on her left thigh, a detail noted by The Globe and Mail, and acknowledged that her fitness was not yet at its peak. She emphasized her focus on the US Open, saying, I still feel like I can get better for US Open. I'm happy I overcame it, and obviously today I didn't feel like anything bothered me physically, so that was good.
Her withdrawal sets up a semifinal matchup for Gauff against the winner of the Elena Rybakina-Naomi Osaka match, with the final scheduled for Thursday.
Gauff’s Path to the Semifinals
Coco Gauff, the fourth-seeded American, advanced to the semifinals without playing, marking her first ever semifinal at the National Bank Open. The 22-year-old, who has a 6-2 head-to-head record against Bencic, had previously defeated her at Wimbledon and the Miami quarter-finals this year.
The 2015 Toronto champion Bencic, who has earned over €14.8 million in career prize money, faced a tough challenge against Gauff, who has surpassed €29.4 million in total earnings.
Historical Context and Head-to-Head
The head-to-head between Bencic and Gauff reflects a competitive rivalry that has evolved over the years. Sofascore highlighted that Gauff leads the series 6-2, with her recent victories in 2026 solidifying her advantage. Bencic’s two wins came in Indian Wells 2025 and back in Adelaide 2021, but these results have not translated into consistent success against Gauff on hard courts. The 2026 matches, including a 2-1 victory at Wimbledon and another in Miami, have reinforced Gauff’s ability to capitalize on key moments, particularly in return games.
Bencic’s injury issues have been a recurring theme, with the 29-year-old Swiss player admitting to ongoing struggles after Wimbledon. I had some challenges after Wimbledon, with a little ongoing injury, so wasn't really sure that I'm going to play here,
she said, a sentiment echoed in her post-match comments. Despite these challenges, Bencic managed to reach the quarterfinals, defeating Eala in a match that showcased her resilience. However, her inability to overcome the hip injury ultimately forced her withdrawal, a decision that has shifted the tournament’s momentum in Gauff’s favor.
Tournament Implications
The withdrawal of Bencic has significant implications for the National Bank Open, as the 2015 champion’s absence leaves a void in the tournament’s narrative. Her absence means that Gauff, who is emerging as a top contender, will now face the winner of the Rybakina-Osaka match in the semifinals. This matchup could determine the final outcome of the tournament, with both players vying for crucial ranking points ahead of the US Open.
For Bencic, the withdrawal highlights the challenges of balancing tournament commitments with injury management. Her focus now shifts to the US Open, where she aims to build on her strong performances in 2026. I still feel like I can get better for US Open,
she said, underscoring her determination to recover fully. Meanwhile, Gauff’s path to the final appears clearer, with her ability to adapt to different opponents and conditions positioning her as a strong favorite.
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