Coco Gauff is still in the running at the Miami Open, having made it through to the quarterfinals with a hard-fought win.

The American, seeded fourth, is now set to face 12th seed Belinda Bencic after reaching the last eight in Miami for the first time in her career.

She booked her place in the quarterfinals with a three-set victory over Sorana Cirstea, coming through 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 in just under two hours.

Gauff’s net play was a key factor in that win, and it didn’t go unnoticed by WTA legend Martina Navratilova.

Gauff on her game plan after taking advice from Navratilova

Following her win, Gauff joined Tennis Channel and was told: “Martina Navratilova is in the booth with our Chanda Rubin and she just loves when you get to the net.

“Thinks your volleys look so sharp up there. How much of a part of your game do you want to continue emphasising that?”

She replied: “Yeah I think I should do it more. I think when I played Elina [Svitolina] in Dubai I was coming to the net a lot and was winning most of the points.

“And today I think there were times where I probably should have gotten in a lot more.

“And yeah I think it’s something that I have to remind myself a little bit, because I feel like I’m so used to running from the back, but I’m also pretty quick forward and have a good overhead.”

Bencic took care of Jessica Pegula 7-6(4), 6-3 in her previous round match-up.

Coco Gauff backs herself as the quickest player on the WTA Tour

Quick movement and a well-timed overhead are both important parts of good net play, along with being able to read what kind of shot an opponent is about to hit.

Gauff spoke recently about how she views her own foot speed after being asked whether she develops it through specific training or if it’s more of a natural talent.

“I definitely think it’s natural,” she replied. “But trying to enhance it and I think for me the main focus is more so on the footwork and trying to get better and more efficient with that.

“It’s nowhere near where I want to be, but I think it’s gotten better since when I came on tour. So I think just trying to remember to use the best kind of stance and patterns I think is the main part.

“And then obviously just trying to keep the speed, top speed, and keep being fast. I definitely think I’m the fastest on tour, so I think I want to keep doing that.

“And I think the goal is just to move more efficiently and effectively.”

Doubles experience could sharpen Gauff’s net game even more

Developing her skills at the net is an area Gauff could benefit from focusing on, especially given some of the difficulties she’s had with her serve.

Her serve, particularly the double faults, has been a sticking point. But being more aggressive by moving forward, where she poses a real threat, might help offset some of those issues.

This isn’t an easy adjustment to make overnight, but Gauff’s background in doubles – where she has 10 titles – has certainly helped her become comfortable at the net.

She only played doubles once this year, back in Qatar and prior to that in Montreal last August – a tournament she ended up winning.

With her talent already clear in the format, playing more doubles matches could be a valuable way for Gauff to continue sharpening her volleys, reflexes and overall presence at the net.

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