MASON, Ohio (AP) — Coco Gauff defeated fellow American Jessica Pegula, 6-2, 6-4, to capture her second women’s Cincinnati Open title on Sunday, and Arthur Fils of France defeated American Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0, in the men’s final for his first Masters 1000 title. 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 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 on 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.
“I think 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.
