Coco Gauff Wins Cincinnati Open, Builds Confidence for US Open

Coco Gauff captured her first title of 2026, decisively defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 in the WTA 1000 final in Cincinnati. This victory marks her second career title in Cincinnati and comes as a significant confidence boost heading into the upcoming US Open.

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I don't think that this is an indicator that I'm going to do well in New York or anything like that to be honest.

The dominant performance saw world number four Gauff claim her first WTA title since October of the previous year. She had previously reached finals in Miami and Rome in 2026 but fell short. Her win over third-ranked Pegula was a repeat of her 2023 Cincinnati triumph, a year in which she went on to win her first Grand Slam title at the US Open.

"I don't think that this is an indicator that I'm going to do well in New York or anything like that to be honest," Gauff stated regarding the match's relevance to the US Open. However, she added, "(I'm going in) knowing that I can figure out these matches (even if) I'm not playing my best, but also knowing that I can play that great tennis that I felt I was playing this week. Hopefully I can use the experience here in New York."

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(I'm going in) knowing that I can figure out these matches (even if) I'm not playing my best, but also knowing that I can play that great tennis that I felt I was playing this week. Hopefully I can use the experience here in New York.

This year's Cincinnati final was a stark contrast to Gauff's experience in the same tournament last year, where an early exit left her "in the parking lot in tears" after struggling with 16 double-faults. "It's a big difference, what a year can make," Gauff reflected. She emphasized her frustration with her game in the previous year, feeling like she was "declining," a sentiment no player desires. This time, Gauff's serve was solid, and her speed and aggression proved too much for Pegula, who had recently defeated the defending champion Iga Swiatek in a tough match.

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It's a big difference, what a year can make.

Gauff broke Pegula twice early in the first set, building a commanding lead before Pegula could get on the scoreboard. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Gauff maintaining control and sealing the victory on her first match point. The win evened the career series between Gauff and Pegula at five wins apiece. Gauff's victory also marks her second win against Pegula this season, following their encounter at Wimbledon.

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Last year I was just frustrated with my game, and I felt like I was declining.