Coco Gauff has secured another significant victory in her tennis career by defeating Jessica Pegula in the final of the Cincinnati Open. The World No. 4 delivered a commanding performance, winning 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday to claim her second title at this event.
Following the match, the 22-year-old expressed cautious optimism about how this triumph might influence her performance at the upcoming US Open. While she refrained from predicting another Grand Slam title, Gauff emphasized that the confidence gained from her strong showing in Cincinnati would be invaluable in New York.
“With each match, I felt increasingly confident in trusting the preparation and hard work I’ve put in,” Gauff said. “It’s clear that even when I’m not at my best, I can still find ways to win. This week showed me that I can play excellent tennis, which gives me reassurance heading into the US Open.”
Meanwhile, Pegula acknowledged Gauff’s resilience and consistency throughout the final. During her runner-up speech, she congratulated Gauff and her team, describing her opponent as “like a backboard” on the court, making it a tough match to play.
“I didn’t think I played badly,” Pegula added with a smile. “We know each other so well, which always makes for an interesting contest.”