Cincinnati Open WTA Semi-Finals Round-Up | Jessica Pegula ends Swiatek’s run as Coco Gauff books final spot

Sunday, 23 August 2026 at 05:15

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula will meet in an all-American Cincinnati Open final after contrasting semifinal victories put them one step away from the title. Gauff continued her dominant run with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over surprise semifinalist Sara Bejlek, while Pegula produced a dramatic comeback to defeat defending champion Iga Swiatek 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.

The final brings together two of the most consistent American players on hard courts, but they arrive from very different paths. Gauff has moved through Cincinnati with increasing authority, while Pegula had to survive a three-set battle against Swiatek to reach her ninth WTA 1000 final. With both players chasing another major title, the all-American showdown promises a fitting conclusion to the tournament.

Pegula completes stunning comeback to deny Swiatek

Jessica Pegula 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 Iga Swiatek

Jessica Pegula produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Iga Swiatek 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 and reach the Cincinnati Open final. In a match that repeatedly swung between the two players, the American recovered from losing the second set and falling behind in the decider before producing her best tennis when the finish line came into sight.

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The opening set was particularly chaotic, with both players struggling to protect their serves. Pegula eventually emerged from a seven-break battle with the advantage, but Swiatek responded by raising her level in the second set. The Pole looked increasingly comfortable in the rallies and broke at the crucial moment to force a deciding set.

Swiatek then appeared to take control of the decider, breaking for 3-1 and putting Pegula under significant pressure. The American refused to panic, however, breaking back after Swiatek slipped and fell during a point before holding to level the set at 3-3. From there, Pegula gradually took control of the closing stages.

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At 4-4, Pegula created three break points and then a fourth after Swiatek's double fault handed her the opening. She converted the opportunity to move 5-4 ahead and then held her nerve while serving for the match, ending Swiatek's 10-match winning streak in the process.

The victory sends Pegula into the ninth WTA 1000 final of her career, where she will chase her fifth title at the level. It is also a significant result against the defending Cincinnati champion, who had arrived on a nine-match winning streak after claiming the Canadian Open title last week.

For Swiatek, the defeat ends an impressive run and denies her the chance to defend her Cincinnati crown. For Pegula, meanwhile, it provides another opportunity to add a major title to a career that has now produced remarkable consistency at WTA 1000 level.

Gauff beats Bejlek to reach Cincinnati final

Coco Gauff def. Sara Bejlek 6-4, 6-1

Coco Gauff defeated Sara Bejlek 6-4, 6-1 in the Cincinnati Open semifinal on August 23, booking her place in another hard-court final in 2026. The No. 4 seed needed just 1 hour and 16 minutes to overcome the Czech world No. 35 and continue her strong run through the Ohio tournament.

Gauff has now won five consecutive matches in Cincinnati, adding Bejlek to victories over Marta Kostyuk, Marie Bouzkova and Liudmila Samsonova. The result also continues a productive stretch on hard courts, with the American winning eight of her last nine completed matches on the surface.

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Her recent form includes a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory over Karolina Muchova in March, as well as a run to another hard-court final before she was beaten by Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff has once again shown her ability to navigate a demanding tournament without dropping her level across successive rounds.

Bejlek came into the semifinal with plenty of confidence of her own. The 20-year-old had won five matches in a row in Cincinnati, including major victories over Madison Keys and world No. 1 Sabalenka before adding wins over Ekaterina Alexandrova and Barbora Krejcikova.

The Czech had also won a hard-court title over Alexandrova in February, underlining the quality of the run that carried her into the last four. Against Gauff, however, the American's consistency and experience at this stage ultimately proved decisive.

After a competitive opening set, Gauff pulled away dramatically in the second, giving Bejlek little opportunity to regain control. The victory sends Gauff into the Cincinnati final and gives her another chance to add a major hard-court title to her 2026 season.

Coco Gauff of the United States reacts while playing against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan during National Bank Open

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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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