MASON, Ohio — Coco Gauff defeated fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 to capture her second women’s Cincinnati Open title Sunday.
In Saturday’s semifinals, Pegula beat defending champion Iga Swiatek and Gauff defeated Sara Bejlek to set up the first all-American women’s final at the Cincinnati Open in 56 years.
The last time two American women played in the Cincinnati final was in 1970 when Rosie Casals beat Nancy Richey.
Pegula’s best previous finish in Cincinnati came in 2024 when she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Gauff, who won the 2023 title beating Karolina Muchova, stormed out to a 5-0 lead in the first set Sunday before winning 6-2. Pegula battled back to within 5-4 in the second before Gauff closed out the win. Gauff won five of six break points.
“It was a long journey, but I’m happy,” Gauff said. “I think it’s night and day, the player I was last year to now. I don’t think that this is an indicator that I’m going to do well in New York. Just knowing the quality ones that I had this week, hopefully I can use that experience.”
Gauff had five wins in straight sets in Cincinnati.
“I thought she just played at a really high level and didn’t really have many dips,” Pegula said. “I didn’t really think I played bad. The more you construct the point [against her], the worse it is because she almost likes to run. It was tough today. A dangerous, confident Coco is going to New York.”
The head-to-head series between Gauff and Pegula is now tied at five apiece. Sunday was their second meeting in a final, with Gauff winning at Wuhan last year.
“I don’t like seeing you on the other side of the court. But I like playing with you,” Gauff said in her on-court interview, addressing Pegula. “You’re an incredible person and player. Congrats to your team. You guys are also incredible people. One of the best teams on tour.
“When I first came on tour, [Pegula] was one of the few players that was nice to me. That’s always stuck a long way with me and my family. I have so much respect for you. It’s an honor to share the court with you once again.”
The last time Gauff won at Cincinnati, she went on to win the US Open for her first Grand Slam title.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
