EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMASON, Ohio -- Coco Gauff defeated fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday to capture her second women's Cincinnati Open 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 by beating Karolina Muchova, stormed out to a 5-0 lead in the first set 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'd like to thank God for just bringing me through these tough periods," Gauff said in her on-court interview. "Last year, I was literally in the parking lot like in tears. It's a big difference what a year can make."The head-to-head series between Gauff and Pegula is tied at five apiece. Sunday was their second meeting in a final, with Gauff winning at Wuhan last year."I don't like seeing you on the other side of the court. But I like playing with you," Gauff said, addressing Pegula. "You're an incredible person and player. Congrats to your team. You guys are also incredible people. One of the best teams on tour."When I first came on tour, [Pegula] was one of the few players that was nice to me. That's always stuck a long way with me and my family. I have so much respect for you. It's an honor to share the court with you once again."The last time Gauff won at Cincinnati, she went on to win the US Open for her first Grand Slam title."A dangerous, confident Coco -- that's going to be tough in New York," Pegula said.The Associated Press contributed to this report.
