Fils claims first ATP Masters 1000 title as Gauff clinches second Cincinnati crown

Cincinnati, Ohio witnessed an impressive victory by US tennis sensation Coco Gauff as she clinched her first WTA 1000 title of 2026, defeating fellow countrywoman Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 in the women's final. Gauff, currently ranked fourth in the world, secured her first WTA title since Wuhan last October, following a disappointing final appearance in Miami and Rome this year.

Her triumph over third-ranked Pegula marked her second Cincinnati crown, after winning the inaugural WTA 1000 tournament in 2023, which she leveraged to claim her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open that year.

This match was the first all-American final in Cincinnati since Rosie Casals triumphed over Nancy Richey in 1970. Gauff's victory over Pegula in 75 minutes showcased her remarkable speed and aggression, breaking Pegula's serve twice to secure a commanding 4-0 lead. Despite Pegula's hard-fought win over defending champion Iga Swiatek earlier in the tournament, she couldn't replicate that form against Gauff.

The match saw Gauff break Pegula's serve again to claim the first set after 34 minutes, with the second set mirroring the first as Gauff built a 3-0 lead and ultimately claimed victory on her opening match point. Gauff's win solidified a career series tie with Pegula at five wins each.