Overview
- Gauff captured the Cincinnati Open on Sunday, beating Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 and dropping only one set on her way to the title.
- Players and commentators credited biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan and recent technical work for a noticeably smoother, more effective serve that reduced double faults and improved first-serve success.
- Statistical measures reported by Tennis Abstract and OptaAce show marked hard-court efficiency, including Gauff becoming the Open Era player with the fewest hard-court finals played to reach 10 hard-court titles.
- The win gives Gauff momentum and a clearer mental footing after a year of serving struggles and staff changes, and it positions her as a leading contender at Flushing Meadows.
- The next developments to watch are the US Open draw, which will set her path in New York, and late fitness updates for other top players that could affect seedings and Gauff’s chance to challenge Aryna Sabalenka for No.1.