Coco Gauff ended her title drought in emphatic fashion at the Cincinnati Open after defeating Jessica Pegula in an all-American showdown. The significance of the triumph was not lost on Gauff as she reflected on her reversal of fortunes after her campaign at last year’s event ended in tears.
What Coco Gauff Said After Winning the Cincinnati Open Title
After winning the French Open title in 2025, Gauff endured a dip in form, failing to win a match during the grass-court season. Her North American hardcourt swing also did not get off to the best start as she lost to Victoria Mboko in the fourth round of the Canadian Open.
Although Gauff went a step further and reached the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open, Jasmine Paolini claimed a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback win in their encounter. The match was emblematic of the American’s serving woes as she committed 16 double faults.
The performance highlighted the need for a change, prompting Gauff to add biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan to her team to work on her serve. The adjustment soon paid dividends, with the two-time Grand Slam champion going on to win the 2025 Wuhan Open. However, she has been unable to add another trophy to her tally until now.
The world No. 4 finally clinched her first title of the season in Cincinnati, securing a dominant 6-2, 6-4 win over Jessica Pegula in the final.
During the trophy presentation, Gauff candidly reflected on how much had changed over the past year, while expressing gratitude to her coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel, and MacMillan.
“What a difference a year can make. JC was sitting in that box and we were not in a good scenario last year and we brought on Gavin. And I feel like they’re the dynamic duo, so it’s really a great joy to play tennis. You guys make the sport so fun for me, and I think along with that, that’s just helped me become a better player and person. So thank you guys for holding it down,” Gauff said.
The 22-year-old also gave a heartwarming shoutout to her parents and family, saying she was delighted to witness their emotions and share the moment with them on a video call.
“And thank you to my parents back at home, my brothers, grandparents, all the family and friends that have been been cheering for me, praying for me. I FaceTimed them after the right there on the bench, so it was good to see their their faces and them smile. Usually I just get a good job text, so it was nice to get a little bit more than that,” she added.
Coco Gauff’s screenshot of her group call with her family after she won the Cincinnati title. 🥰❤️ pic.twitter.com/FNyl4thiNb
— LaWanda (@lawanda50) August 24, 2026
Gauff then paid tribute to God for helping her overcome challenging moments, reflecting on her remarkable turnaround after her loss at last year’s Cincinnati Open left her in tears.
“And I would like to thank God for just bringing me through these tough periods. Last year, I was literally in the parking lot, in tears. So, it’s a big difference what a year can make. So I thank him for pulling me through,” she said.
Having built momentum with her impressive victory at the WTA 1000 event, Coco Gauff will travel to New York brimming with confidence as she sets her sights on the US Open crown. The American is looking to win her second title at her home Slam, having previously lifted the trophy in 2023.
