Coco Gauff has claimed that she is the fastest player on tour, a statement which she admits people won’t ‘like’. The American is known for her court coverage and defensive work, which was on display in the Miami Open

She booked her place in the semi-final of the tournament on Tuesday with a three-set win over Belinda Bencic. Gauff came out as a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 winner, with her speed on show throughout the encounter.

Speaking after the win, when Gauff was asked who she thinks is the fastest player on tour, she said: “I definitely think that on court I am the fastest. People don’t like it when I say it, but I feel like I have enough tape to show that.

“100 metres I feel I would be pretty good. Sloane [Stephens] is pretty fast when she is in her prime. Iga [Swiatek] is really fast. [Maria] Sakkari is fast.

“I think 100 metres is different. I feel I would definitely be in the top three or top four for sure.

“Over 200 metres I definitely think I am the fastest. The longer the race the better for me, I think that’s the same in tennis! The longer the better.

“I would be down to try it. But I don’t think the 100 metres is my race.”

Speaking on court, Gauff reflected on her performance against Bencic. “It was a tough match. Belinda is a tough player,” she said.

Gauff added: “Every time we play it’s a long match. It took a lot of running today, some falls. I’m really proud of how I fought today.

“That’s been a theme of the week. My opponent raised her level today. I was able to raise it in the 3rd.”

The 22-year-old is back in action on Thursday when she takes on Karoline Muchova in the semi-final. Muchova beat Victoria Mboko 7-5, 7-6 in her quarter-final on Tuesday evening.