Gauff gears up for US Open with Cincinnati triumph

Coco Gauff put on a strong performance to secure her first title of 2026 by defeating third seed Jessica Pegula in the final of the Cincinnati Open. The 22-year-old American dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-4 in just an hour and 14 minutes. This victory marks Gauff as the third player to win two consecutive titles at the WTA 1000 event, joining Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.

Gauff made history in 2023 when she won the Cincinnati championship before claiming her first Grand Slam title at the US Open three weeks later. By securing her first WTA title since Wuhan last October, Gauff has reaffirmed her position as a strong favorite for the US Open. "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," Gauff stated, after dropping just one set in Cincinnati.

Gauff is aware of the challenges awaiting her at the US Open but is encouraged by her recent wins, demonstrating her ability to perform even when not at her best. The main draw of the US Open begins on Sunday, 30 August, while qualifying matches commenced on Sunday. Meanwhile, in the men's singles, Arthur Fils claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title by defeating American home hope Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0.

Fils, 22, has been sidelined by injuries but has now won two ATP Tour titles since returning to action in February after a nine-month absence due to a stress fracture in his back. "Wow that feels good. That feels good," Fils remarked, rising to a career-high 11th in the world rankings.