Coco Gauff dominated Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 to win her first title of 2026 at the Cincinnati WTA 1000, marking a significant boost in confidence ahead of the US Open. Gauff, the world number four, claimed her first WTA title since October 2025 in Wuhan, having previously fallen short in finals in Miami and Rome this year. This victory over the third-ranked Pegula earned Gauff her second Cincinnati crown, following her first win in 2023.
Dominant Performance
The match was a lopsided affair, with Gauff breaking Pegula twice to lead 4-0 in the first set. Pegula managed to hold serve and claw back a break, but Gauff maintained her momentum, breaking again to win the set 6-2. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Gauff taking an early 3-0 lead and sealing the victory on her first match point after 75 minutes.
Confidence Boost Ahead of US Open
Despite insisting that this victory shouldn't be seen as a barometer for the US Open, Gauff admitted it was a welcome confidence boost. '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 said. 'But I'm going in knowing that I can figure out these matches even if I'm not playing my best, and also knowing that I can play that great tennis that I felt I was playing this week. Hopefully I can use the experience here in New York.'
Turnaround from Previous Year
This win is a stark contrast to Gauff's early exit in Cincinnati last year, which left her 'in the parking lot in tears' after coughing up 16 double-faults in defeat. Frustrated with her game, Gauff hired a new coach days before the US Open last year. This time around, Gauff was rock-solid on serve, and Pegula, who had just defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek, had no answer for Gauff's speed and aggression.
Career Series Squared
Gauff's win squared the career series between the two at five wins each. This was Gauff's second match this season against Pegula, having previously defeated her in a Wimbledon quarter-final. Pegula acknowledged Gauff's high-level play, stating, 'I don't think I played bad but you played a very high level, it was not fun to play against. You have amazing momentum heading into the US Open.'







































