Coco Gauff beats Jessica Pegula to claim second Cincinnati Open title

Coco Gauff captured her second Cincinnati Open title with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over fellow American Jessica Pegula in Sunday’s final. The Guardian reported that the fourth seed controlled the match against the third-seeded Pegula to secure her first tournament victory of the 2026 season.

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The title was Gauff’s fourth at WTA 1000 level and completed her most assured run of the year. After dropping her opening set of the tournament against Liudmila Samsonova, the 22-year-old won the next 10 sets on her way through the draw and then closed the event without needing a deciding set in the final.

Gauff’s serve was central to the performance. According to The Guardian’s report from Cincinnati, she repeatedly sent first serves above 120 mph and was able to play aggressively from inside the baseline when Pegula left the ball short. Her speed and defense also made it difficult for Pegula to finish points.

The result carried added significance after Gauff’s difficulties at the same tournament a year earlier. She served 16 double faults and made 62 unforced errors in a 2025 quarterfinal defeat by Jasmine Paolini. That loss preceded her decision to hire biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan and undertake a substantial rebuild of her service motion shortly before the US Open.

Pegula reached the championship match through three consecutive three-set wins over Sorana Cirstea, Amanda Anisimova and defending champion Iga Swiatek. Her victory against Swiatek was described by The Guardian as her best win of the season, but Gauff prevented her from extending that run in the final.

The Cincinnati result gives both Americans notable form ahead of the US Open. Gauff leaves Ohio with a trophy after reaching her fifth WTA 1000 semifinal and third final of the season, while Pegula’s path included victories over several accomplished opponents. For Gauff, the title also provides a concrete reward for the technical changes that followed one of the most difficult stretches of her career.