Cincinnati Open WTA Final Round-Up | Coco Gauff sweeps aside Pegula to reclaim Cincinnati crown
WTAMonday, 24 August 2026 at 12:26
Coco Gauff produced a dominant performance to defeat Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 and win the Cincinnati Open title, completing a remarkable week in Ohio without dropping a set. The 22-year-old American controlled the final from the opening games, using her serve and forehand to consistently dictate the exchanges against her compatriot.
The victory gives Gauff her fourth WTA 1000 title and her second Cincinnati crown, following her breakthrough triumph at the tournament in 2022. That title came just one week before she went on to win her first Grand Slam at the US Open, and Gauff has now once again used Cincinnati as the springboard for a major hard-court statement.
The result also provides personal redemption after a difficult year in WTA 1000 finals. Gauff had lost the Miami and Rome finals earlier in the season and had won only one of her previous five finals at the category. She will now head into the US Open swing with another major title and renewed confidence on hard courts.
Pegula, meanwhile, ends an excellent Cincinnati campaign as runner-up after reaching the final with a comeback victory over Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. Although the result will not change their ranking position, both remain firmly in the top five of the WTA Race and are on track for a possible fifth consecutive appearance at the WTA Finals. Gauff, meanwhile, continues to strengthen her own qualification position ahead of the season-ending event.
Gauff races through opening set
The final quickly began to move in Gauff's direction. After holding her opening service game, the World No. 4 needed only a couple of minutes to secure the first break and immediately put Pegula under pressure. Gauff was particularly effective behind her serve, combining heavy first deliveries with aggressive returns to establish a 3-0 lead in roughly 10 minutes.
Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates during her match against Alina Korneeva during round of 16 National Bank Open
The advantage soon became even more emphatic as Gauff secured another break to move 5-0 ahead. Pegula finally managed to get on the scoreboard when she defended her serve from 0-30 down, avoiding the bagel and briefly showing signs that she could make the opening set more competitive.
Gauff then failed to serve out the set immediately, allowing Pegula to reduce the deficit to 5-2. However, the comeback never truly materialized. Gauff returned with purpose in the next game, earned another break and completed the opening set 6-2. Her level remained remarkably composed, while Pegula struggled to reproduce the aggressive tennis that had carried her past Swiatek.
Gauff stays composed to seal Cincinnati
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Gauff immediately extending her winning run by taking the first three games. Another break put her firmly in command and left Pegula facing an increasingly difficult task against an opponent who was making very few emotional or tactical concessions.
Pegula did manage to halt the run and defend her serve, but the gap was visible beyond the scoreboard. The American was becoming increasingly frustrated by her errors, while Gauff remained focused and unusually restrained, celebrating important points without appearing to rush toward the finish line.
After reaching 5-2, Gauff briefly saw her advantage come under threat as Pegula found a second wind. The American defended her serve before breaking back to cut the deficit, suddenly making the final far more competitive and raising the possibility of a late comeback.
Pegula then held serve to move within 5-4 and put the pressure back on Gauff, who was now serving for the championship again. However, the No. 4 seed refused to let the match stretch any further. Gauff created an opening on return, earned the decisive break point and closed out the 6-2, 6-4 victory to seal her fourth WTA 1000 title.
The title also brings Gauff level with Pegula at 5-5 in their head-to-head record, adding another chapter to one of the most prominent American rivalries on the WTA Tour. For Pegula, the run reinforces her position among the leading contenders for the WTA Finals, while Gauff leaves Cincinnati with her fourth WTA 1000 trophy and considerable momentum heading toward the US Open.
Coco Gauff of the United States reacts while playing against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan during National Bank Open
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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