Gauff storms to Cincinnati title ahead of US Open

Coco Gauff has strengthened her credentials for the US Open by defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula in the Cincinnati Open final to claim her first title of 2026.

The 22-year-old fourth seed produced a dominant performance to beat third seed Pegula 6-2 6-4 in just one hour and 14 minutes, becoming only the third woman to win the WTA 1,000 tournament twice after Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.

Gauff’s latest triumph comes at an ideal time, with the US Open main draw set to begin on 30 August.

Her previous Cincinnati title came in 2023, when she went on to win her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open three weeks later.

The two-time major champion had been waiting since winning the Wuhan Open last October for her next WTA title, but she dropped just one set throughout her run in Cincinnati.

Speaking after the victory, Gauff said the tournament had restored her confidence and belief ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year.

“I think with each match, I was feeling more and more confident in trusting the work that I put in and the practice – knowing that I can figure out these matches,” she said.

The American added that she was encouraged by the quality of her victories and her ability to find solutions even when she was not at her best.

“It’s going to be tough in New York, but just knowing the quality wins that I had this week, knowing that I’m able to figure it out even if I’m not playing my best, but also knowing that I can play that great tennis that I felt like I was playing this week.”

With the US Open now just days away, Gauff has firmly re-established herself among the leading contenders for the women’s title.

Fils claims biggest title of career

In the men’s final, France’s Arthur Fils captured the biggest title of his career by defeating American Frances Tiafoe 6-3 1-6 6-0.

The 22-year-old became the first Frenchman to win an ATP Masters 1000 title since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga triumphed in Toronto in 2014.

Fils has long been regarded as one of the leading young talents on the men’s tour, but his progress has been interrupted by injuries.

He returned to competition in February after spending nine months sidelined with a stress fracture in his back and has now won two ATP Tour titles since his comeback.

The Cincinnati victory also moves Fils to a career-high 11th in the world rankings.

“Wow, that feels good. That feels good,” Fils said.

“It’s a lot of training, a lot of things, a lot of sacrifice. Injury. To be able to win one title like this means a lot to me.”

Both Gauff and Fils will now head into the US Open with significant momentum after securing major victories in Cincinnati.