- American Star Defeats Jessica Pegula in Straight Sets to Claim First WTA Title of 2026
CINCINNATI: Coco Gauff delivered a commanding statement ahead of the US Open, defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 to capture the Cincinnati Open title and secure her first WTA trophy of the 2026 season.
The world No. 4 produced an aggressive and composed performance to overcome No. 3-ranked Pegula in just 75 minutes, ending a title drought that stretched back to her triumph in Wuhan last October.
The victory earned Gauff her second Cincinnati title, following her breakthrough triumph at the tournament in 2023. Later that year, she went on to win her first Grand Slam title at the US Open.
The all-American final was the first of its kind in Cincinnati since Rosie Casals defeated Nancy Richey in 1970, adding another milestone to Gauff’s impressive week.
Gauff Dominates From the Start
Gauff immediately imposed her pace and power on the match, breaking Pegula twice to race to a 4-0 lead. She extended the advantage to 5-0 before Pegula finally got on the scoreboard and briefly fought her way back into contention.
The reprieve was short-lived, however, as Gauff secured another break to close out the opening set 6-2 after 34 minutes.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Gauff broke early to establish a 3-0 advantage, forcing Pegula to chase the match from behind. Despite her opponent’s efforts to respond, Gauff maintained control and sealed victory with her first match point.
Confidence Boost Ahead of New York
The Cincinnati triumph comes at an important moment for Gauff, who reached finals in Miami and Rome earlier this season but fell short of claiming either title.
Her victory over Pegula also leveled their career head-to-head record at 5-5. Gauff defeated her compatriot earlier this season in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
Pegula entered the final with momentum after a hard-fought victory over defending champion Iga Swiatek, but she struggled to match Gauff’s speed, intensity and aggressive shot-making.
With the US Open set to begin next Sunday in New York, Gauff leaves Cincinnati with a major confidence boost—and a timely reminder to the rest of the field that she remains one of the tournament’s leading contenders.
BY: The Times Union
