The short version
- Coco Gauff defeated Jessica Pegula in straight sets to win her second Cincinnati Open title and first of 2026.
- Arthur Fils captured his first ATP Masters 1000 trophy by beating Frances Tiafoe, marking a significant return from injury.
- Both victories position the winners as strong contenders for the US Open, which begins its main draw on August 30.
Coco Gauff has reestablished herself as a primary contender for the upcoming US Open after capturing her first WTA title of 2026 in Cincinnati. The American defeated third-seeded Jessica Pegula in the final, winning in straight sets with scores of 6-2 and 6-4. The match lasted just over an hour, showcasing Gauff’s efficiency and control on the court. This victory marks a significant milestone in her season, ending a title drought that stretched back to October of the previous year when she won in Wuhan.
By winning in Cincinnati, Gauff joins an exclusive group of players who have claimed the WTA 1000 event twice. She is now only the third two-time champion of this specific tournament, following in the footsteps of Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. The timing of this triumph carries historical weight; when Gauff previously won the Cincinnati trophy in 2023, she went on to secure her first Grand Slam title at the US Open three weeks later. This pattern has renewed interest in her prospects at Flushing Meadows.
Gauff’s path to the title was not without initial challenges. She lost the opening set of her first match against Liudmila Samsonova but responded by winning the next twelve games across her subsequent matches. This resilience demonstrated her ability to adjust and maintain momentum throughout the tournament. Dropping just one set in Cincinnati, Gauff expressed growing confidence in her preparation and practice routines. She noted that trusting her work allowed her to navigate difficult moments and figure out solutions during matches.
The American player acknowledged that the US Open will present tough competition but emphasized her readiness for the challenge. Gauff highlighted the quality of her recent wins as evidence of her current form. She stated that even if she is not playing at her absolute peak, she possesses the tools to compete effectively. Furthermore, she believes she can deliver high-level tennis when conditions align, a sentiment bolstered by her performance in Cincinnati.
In the men’s draw, Arthur Fils achieved a career-defining victory by securing his first ATP Masters 1000 title. The 22-year-old Frenchman defeated American Frances Tiafoe in a three-set final, with scores of 6-3, 1-6, and 6-0. This win marks a significant turnaround for Fils, who has long been regarded as one of the tour’s most promising young talents but whose progress was hindered by persistent injuries.
Fils’ journey to this title involved overcoming a nine-month absence from competition due to a stress fracture in his back. Since returning to the tour in February, he has won two ATP Tour titles, demonstrating a steady climb back to form. The Cincinnati victory elevates him to a career-high ranking of 11th in the world. Fils described the win as deeply meaningful, citing the extensive training, sacrifices, and physical struggles required to reach this point.
The significance of Fils’ achievement extends beyond his personal success. He becomes the first Frenchman to win a Masters 1000 event since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga claimed the title in Toronto in 2014. This break in a twelve-year drought for French men’s tennis adds a layer of national pride to his individual accomplishment. Fils’ ability to hold off Tiafoe, particularly after dropping the second set, underscored his mental fortitude and tactical adaptability.
With both Gauff and Fils emerging as winners in Cincinnati, attention now shifts to New York. Qualifying for the US Open began on Sunday, with the main draw scheduled to start on August 30. The tournament promises to feature a robust field, with Gauff reinstated among the favorites due to her recent form. Meanwhile, Fils enters the Grand Slam with renewed confidence and improved ranking, looking to build on his Masters success.
The broader context of the US Open includes record-breaking financial incentives, as it offers the largest prize fund in Grand Slam history. This increased investment reflects the growing commercial importance of the event. Additionally, notable players such as Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz are set to participate in mixed doubles, adding star power to the auxiliary events. These developments contribute to a heightened sense of anticipation surrounding the tournament.
As the tennis world prepares for the US Open, the performances in Cincinnati serve as critical indicators of player readiness. Gauff’s dominance and Fils’ resurgence highlight the dynamic nature of the current tour. Both athletes have demonstrated that they can perform under pressure and adapt to various challenges. Their successes in Cincinnati provide a strong foundation for their campaigns at Flushing Meadows, where they will face new opponents and different court conditions.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Gauff gears up for US Open with Cincinnati triumph
