Cincinnati Open: Pegula, Gauff set all-American final; Tiafoe, Fils in men's title clash
Synopsis
An all-American women's final and a US-France men's title clash headline the Cincinnati Open — Pegula's comeback win over defending champion Swiatek in a two-hour-47-minute three-setter is the standout result, setting up a marquee Pegula-Gauff showdown that doubles as a US Open form guide.
Key Takeaways
Jessica Pegula defeated Iga Swiatek 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in 2 hours 47 minutes to reach the Cincinnati Open women's final.
Coco Gauff beat Sara Bejlek 6-4, 6-1 in 76 minutes to set up an all-American women's final.
Arthur Fils extended his winning streak to five matches with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Flavio Cobolli , finishing with 22 winners and 6 aces .
Frances Tiafoe defeated compatriot Brandon Nakashima 7-5, 6-3 to reach the men's final.
The Cincinnati finals feature an all-American women's clash and a US vs France men's title match.
Jessica Pegula defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek in a gripping three-set semifinal to book her place in the Cincinnati Open women's singles final, setting up an all-American title showdown with Coco Gauff. On the men's side, Frances Tiafoe and France's Arthur Fils both advanced to their own title clash, making for a blockbuster finals weekend in Cincinnati.
Pegula Outlasts Swiatek in a Three-Set Thriller
World No. 3 Pegula edged seventh-seeded Swiatek 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and 47 minutes. The opening set was closely contested, with rain briefly halting play at 1-1. Pegula broke to lead 3-2 and extended it to 4-2, only for Swiatek to level at 4-4 and edge ahead, before Pegula broke again at 5-5 to clinch the set when the Polish player's overhead found the net.
Swiatek raised her level in the second set, breaking in the sixth game to lead 4-2 and force a decider after Pegula missed a forehand return. In the third set, Swiatek surged to a 3-1 lead, but the 32-year-old American refused to yield, levelling at 4-4, making the decisive break in the next game, and serving out the match.
'The match was very difficult. Swiatek is in excellent form. It's fantastic to have beaten such a great athlete as Iga in the semi-finals and to have reached another 1000 final,' Pegula said after the win.
Gauff Cruises Past Bejlek to Reach Final
Coco Gauff was clinical in her semifinal, dismissing Sara Bejlek of the Czech Republic 6-4, 6-1 in just 76 minutes. Gauff raced to a 4-1 lead in the first set after breaking Bejlek's serve, but Bejlek fought back to level at 4-4. The 22-year-old American broke once more to take the set. In the second set — Gauff's first WTA 1000 semifinal — she dominated, breaking Bejlek twice and capitalising on a string of unforced errors to seal the win convincingly.
Fils Extends Winning Run in Men's Draw
France's Arthur Fils, the Barcelona Open champion, continued his impressive run by defeating seventh seed Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 6-4 in just 67 minutes, recording his fifth consecutive win. Cobolli led 2-1 early, but Fils broke back in the eighth game of the first set as the Italian struggled from the baseline. The 22-year-old Frenchman then broke in the opening game of the second set and took full control, finishing with 22 winners and six aces.
Tiafoe Beats Compatriot Nakashima to Reach Final
Frances Tiafoe prevailed in an all-American affair, defeating Brandon Nakashima 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the men's final. In the first set, the pair exchanged four consecutive break points before Tiafoe held to lead 4-3, broke again to make it 6-5, and served out the set. He then led 3-2 in the second before securing the win by holding serve at love.
The Cincinnati Open finals promise two compelling storylines: an all-American women's duel between Pegula and Gauff, and a transatlantic men's clash between Tiafoe and Fils — a fitting culmination to a high-quality hard-court event heading into the US Open swing.
Point of View
Where Pegula has historically been a contender without a Grand Slam title to show for it. The all-American women's final is a rare spectacle on the WTA calendar and puts both players in the spotlight at the ideal moment. On the men's side, Fils's five-match winning run signals a player peaking at the right time, while Tiafoe's ability to close out an all-American derby under pressure reflects the mental growth that has long been the question mark over his game. Both finals deserve more attention than the Cincinnati Open typically commands.
NationPress
23 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in the Cincinnati Open women's final?
Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff will contest an all-American women's final at the Cincinnati Open. Pegula beat defending champion Iga Swiatek 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, while Gauff defeated Sara Bejlek 6-4, 6-1.
How did Pegula beat Swiatek in the Cincinnati Open semifinal?
Pegula won 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 47 minutes. She came back from 3-1 down in the third set to level at 4-4, made the decisive break in the next game, and served out the match.
Who is in the Cincinnati Open men's final?
Frances Tiafoe of the United States will face France's Arthur Fils in the men's final. Tiafoe beat compatriot Brandon Nakashima 7-5, 6-3, while Fils defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 6-4.
How has Arthur Fils performed at the Cincinnati Open?
Fils has won five consecutive matches at the tournament, most recently beating seventh seed Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 6-4 in 67 minutes, with 22 winners and six aces. The Barcelona Open champion has been in dominant form throughout the event.
What is the significance of the Cincinnati Open ahead of the US Open?
The Cincinnati Open is a WTA 1000 and ATP Masters 1000 event held immediately before the US Open, making it a key form guide for the year's final Grand Slam. An all-American women's final and a high-profile men's clash add extra weight to this year's edition.
