The 2026 Cincinnati Open concluded with Coco Gauff lifting the trophy for the second time on Sunday, August 23. The American star eased past compatriot and close friend Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 to level their head-to-head record at five wins apiece after 10 meetings on the Tour.
During their speeches, Gauff and Pegula praised their colleague Emma Navarro’s parents, billionaires Ben and Kelly Navarro, for their significant investment in the tournament.
Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff Appreciate Emma Navarro’s Parents’ Efforts
Ben Navarro, an American billionaire businessman with an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion, according to Forbes, acquired the rights to the Cincinnati Open in 2022 through his investment firm, Beemok Capital.
In 2025, he and his wife, Kelly, completed a $260 million renovation of the tournament grounds, introducing a players’ clubhouse, new indoor and outdoor practice courts, and a range of activities and amenities designed to enhance the fan experience.
Pegula acknowledged their contribution in her runner-up speech. “Thank you to Credit One, to Kelly and Ben Navarro. You guys have been so great to me not only here but also in Charleston when I come to play your event. So thank you guys for just investing so much into tennis and growing the sport everywhere throughout the country. It’s amazing.
The Navarros also own the WTA 500 Charleston Open, where Jessica Pegula is the two-time reigning champion. After winning the 2026 edition, Pegula received a $354,345 winner’s check, an unprecedented payout at the WTA 500 level. The increase in prize money was pledged by Emma Navarro’s father as part of an effort to narrow the pay gap between the women’s and men’s tours.
Coco Gauff echoed her compatriot’s sentiments, thanking the Navarros for their efforts to elevate and uplift women’s tennis.
“As Jess said, the Navarro’s, for investing in tennis, especially women’s tennis. It’s so important. And this tournament, the investment they’ve made to our sport, I think all the players feel the love here. It’s one of the easiest tournaments. And I always enjoy coming here.”
Frances Tiafoe, who finished runner-up to Arthur Fils in the men’s singles final earlier on Sunday, also expressed his appreciation. “Shoutout the Navarro family as well. The best arena we have in the game, for sure. It’s not even a question; you guys are stand-up.”
Emma Navarro competed at the Cincinnati Open as the 25th seed but was knocked out by Pegula in the third round. The 25-year-old has now shifted her attention to the US Open, where she reached the semifinals in 2024. She begins her campaign by competing in mixed doubles alongside Tommy Paul.
Meanwhile, Pegula is teaming up with Taylor Fritz at the event on August 25-26, while Tiafoe is sharing the court with Leylah Fernandez. Coco Gauff has opted to skip the mixed doubles tournament and will instead begin her US Open campaign directly in the singles main draw.
