Bencic Edges Keys in Charleston Open Quarterfinal

The 3rd-seeded Swiss star advances after a hard-fought three-set battle.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense tennis match between Madison Keys and Belinda Bencic, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players, court, and ball in motion.Bencic's hard-fought victory over Keys at the Charleston Open sets up a semifinal showdown with one of the tournament favorites.Charleston Today

The quarterfinal matchup at the 2026 Charleston Open between 5th-seeded American Madison Keys and 3rd-seeded Swiss player Belinda Bencic went the distance, with Bencic emerging victorious in three sets. After Keys took the opening set, Bencic rallied to win the next two and clinch a spot in the semifinals.

Why it matters

This result continues Bencic's strong 2026 season and sets up an intriguing semifinal clash. Keys was the defending champion in Charleston, so this loss ends her title defense. The match also featured two former champions of this event going head-to-head.

The details

Keys started strongly, taking the first set 6-2. But Bencic fought back to level the match by winning the second set in a tiebreaker 7-6(4). In the decider, Bencic pulled away to take the third set 6-3 and secure the victory after over two hours of play.

  • The match took place on April 3, 2026 in the quarterfinal round of the Charleston Open.
  • Keys was the defending champion, having won the title in 2019.
  • Bencic previously won the Charleston Open in 2022 and was the runner-up in 2023.

The players

Madison Keys

The 5th-seeded American player and former Charleston Open champion.

Belinda Bencic

The 3rd-seeded Swiss player and two-time Charleston Open finalist, including a title in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“It was a tough battle out there today, but I'm proud of how I fought back after losing the first set. Playing in Charleston is always special for me.”

— Belinda Bencic

What’s next

Bencic will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek in the semifinals on April 5.

The takeaway

Bencic's victory over the defending champion Keys in a tight three-set match showcases her strong 2026 form and sets up an intriguing semifinal clash at the Charleston Open.