Coco Gauff wins Cincinnati Open, US Open up next

The GIST: The US Open, tennis’ final major of the season, is just around the corner. But first, the tune-up Cincinnati Open delivered history and a whole lot of momentum before the stars descend on the Big Apple. Time to serve up the highlights.

🏆 No. 4 Coco Gauff claims another title: Fan favorite Gauff defeated fellow American No. 3 Jessica Pegula in straight sets last night to snag her second career Cincy crown. Gauff broke Pegula twice to race out to a 5-0 lead in the opening set before closing out the win in commanding fashion. Not a bad US Open sendoff.

• As for the men, No. 21 Arthur Fils is officially a Masters 1000 champ after defeating American No. 23 Frances Tiafoe yesterday. Fils is the first Frenchman to win the singles tournament since 1991. Magnifique.

⏩ Looking ahead to the US Open: Now the spotlight shifts to New York, where the main draw for the final Grand Slam of the year begins on August 30th. The GOAT Serena Williams will make her first competitive appearance at the tournament since 2022, joining reigning men’s singles champ Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles after the pair received a wild card. The duo we didn’t even know we needed.

• Sadly, not everyone is NYC–bound. While Alcaraz will also return to singles play after a four-month absence due to a right wrist injury, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner is officially out with a persistent right knee injury.