- Gauff beats Muchova to win biggest title to date
- Teenager sees of Swiatek in semi-final
- Top players tune up for US Open
American teenager Coco Gauff secured the most significant title of her career by triumphing in the Cincinnati Open final, defeating Karolina Muchova in a straight-set victory.
Following her unexpected win against top seed Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, Gauff continued her impressive form with a 6-3, 6-4 win against her Czech opponent in the final match on Sunday.
5th career title for teenager Gauff
This achievement marked Gauff’s fifth career title and her third in 2023, having previously won in Washington DC and Auckland earlier in the year. The timing of this victory couldn’t be better, offering Gauff a substantial confidence boost just ahead of the commencement of the US Open on August 28.
Additionally, Gauff’s win holds historical significance, as she becomes the first teenager since Bianca Andreescu in 2019 to clinch three WTA titles within a single year. Throughout the final, Gauff demonstrated her prowess by breaking Muchova’s serve on three occasions during the first set, ultimately securing the set with a strong service game.
Facing Muchova, who was on the verge of entering the top 10 rankings for the first time, Gauff showcased her dominance by securing another service break in the second set. Despite encountering a few challenges, including missing out on several match-point opportunities while leading 5-2, Gauff made up for it in her subsequent service game, successfully sealing her victory.
Gauff’s accomplishment at the Cincinnati Open not only added another title to her young career but also established her as a formidable presence within the tennis realm.
Top stars warm-up for Flushing Meadows at Cincinnati
World number one Swiatek exited Cincinnati at the hands of Gauff in the semi-final, while the second ranked player in the WTA standings, Aryna Sabalenka was beaten at the same stage by Muchova having overcome Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur in the previous round. World number 3 and 4, Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina both went out in the round of 16. Bettors looking to wager on the US Open will see that many of the top ranked players are in good form. Guaff will be confident after her Cincinnati win and will have the advantage of the home crowd at the US Open.
