Coco Gauff couldn’t have asked for a better way to head into the US Open.
The American star just defeated fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 in the Cincinnati Open final, capturing her second Cincinnati title and her first trophy of the 2026 season.
And this wasn’t some lucky run.
Gauff looked in control from the opening game, racing out to a 5-0 lead in the first set before eventually closing it out 6-2. Pegula fought harder in the second, but Gauff stayed composed and finished the job 6-4.
🎾 Something looks different about Gauff
One of the biggest reasons for the optimism is her serve.
After struggling badly with her serve during last year’s US Open, Gauff made major changes to her technique during the offseason. Those changes appear to be paying off, with the 22-year-old playing more aggressively and confidently.
That’s potentially very bad news for the rest of the women’s draw.
Gauff already has a US Open title on her résumé. Now she’s arriving in New York having just beaten a fellow top-ranked American in straight sets and looking much more comfortable with her game.
🇺🇸 Can she actually win it again?
That’s the big question.
Gauff isn’t saying Cincinnati automatically means she’ll dominate New York, but the timing couldn’t be better.
She’s also now only the third woman in the Open Era, alongside Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, to win Cincinnati more than once.
The US Open begins August 30, and Gauff suddenly looks like one of the players nobody will want to see across the net.
Could we be watching the beginning of another Gauff US Open run?
