Coco Gauff celebrating on court at the Cincinnati Open

Coco Gauff celebrates after defeating Sara Bejlek in the semifinals.

Gauff and Pegula set to clash in Cincinnati’s first all‑American women’s final in 56 years

The 2024 semifinal victories revive a historic showdown last seen when Rosie Casals beat Nancy Richey in 1970

Coco Gauff faced the pressure of a title defense after a swift 6‑4 6‑1 win over Sara Bejlek on Saturday, August 23 2024.

Jessica Pegula survived a three‑set battle against defending champion Iga Swiatek, winning 7‑5 4‑6 6‑4 to book her spot in the final.

The match featured 13 breaks of serve, with Pegula converting seven of her 18 break‑point chances and Swiatek converting six of 12.

Both Americans are chasing a historic repeat of the 1970 all‑American final.

"It was a really tough match. She (Swiatek) is in great form. To beat someone who is such a great athlete like Iga in the semis and to make it to another 1000 final, it's awesome," Pegula said after the win.

Sources & Further Reading

Why the All‑American Final Matters

The U.S. crowd loves seeing homegrown talent on center court. Gauff, 20, already lifted the Cincinnati trophy in 2023, while Pegula is chasing her first title at this venue after a runner‑up finish in 2024.

Stat Sheet Snapshot

Pegula’s win snapped Swiatek’s 10‑match streak and marked her 300th tour‑level victory. She held 55% of her service points versus Swiatek’s 52%. Gauff converted six of seven break points and won 56% of return points against Bejlek.

Beyond the numbers, the Cincinnati Open has become a key warm‑up for the US Open, offering players a chance to fine‑tune their hard‑court games under conditions that mirror New York’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Both Gauff and Pegula have used the tournament historically to build momentum; Gauff’s 2023 triumph propelled her into a top‑five ranking, while Pegula’s consistent deep runs have kept her in the conversation for a first Grand Slam title.

Looking ahead, the winner not only secures the Cincinnati crown but also earns a valuable boost in ranking points that can improve seeding at the US Open. A higher seed could translate into a more favorable draw, potentially opening a path to the season‑ending major for either American.

What Happens Next

August 24 2024 — Gauff and Pegula meet in the Cincinnati Open final.
August 26 2024 — Winners earn a spot in the US Open draw with a boost in ranking points.