Gauff Powers Past Pegula to Win US Open Warm-up in Cincinnati

Coco Gauff delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 to capture her first title of 2026 at the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati. This victory marks Gauff's second career title in Cincinnati and her first WTA title since October of last year in Wuhan, coming after previous final appearances in Miami and Rome this year.

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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 final, the first all-American WTA final in Cincinnati since 1970, was largely one-sided. Gauff, currently ranked world number four, secured her first Cincinnati crown in 2023 before going on to win her first Grand Slam title at the US Open that same year. Her dominant play in this tournament provides a significant confidence boost heading into the US Open, which begins next Sunday.

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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.

Despite the impressive win, Gauff cautioned against viewing it as a direct predictor of success in New York. "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. However, she added that the match proved her ability to perform even when not playing at her absolute best, and reaffirmed her capacity for playing the high-level tennis she demonstrated throughout the week. "Hopefully I can use the experience here in New York," she expressed.

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Hopefully I can use the experience here in New York.

Gauff's path to the title included a strong showing throughout the tournament, culminating in a swift 75-minute final. This contrasts sharply with her performance in Cincinnati last year, where an early exit left her deeply disappointed. "It's a big difference, what a year can make," Gauff reflected, recalling how her service struggles last year led her to hire a new coach just before the US Open. This year, her serve was solid, and her speed and aggression proved too much for Pegula, who had recently defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek in a tough semifinal.

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