Coco Gauff Opens Up About Frustrating 2025 Cincinnati Campaign After Ending Title Drought: “I Felt Like I Was Declining’

Coco Gauff was in tears after her Cincinnati Open exit last year. She clinched this title in 2023 by defeating this year’s Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova but suffered an opening-round exit the following year.

And last year, she made the quarterfinals, only to suffer a three-set upset at the hands of eventual runner-up Jasmine Paolini. But this year, Gauff ended her title drought in the tournament with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over countrywoman Jessica Pegula.

During the winner’s speech, the 22-year-old revealed that she broke down in tears following her upset last year. She started to feel that her tennis was heading downhill.

Yeah, I think it was a long journey, but I’m happy. It’s obviously got more years of tennis to play. I think last year I was just frustrated with my game, and I felt like I was declining, and it’s not something any player wants to feel like… You always want to feel like you’re getting better, at the worst, like just plateauing. So last year I was in a weird predicament, made sudden decisions that most people probably wouldn’t do before a Slam, but I think it’s worth it.

Before the Cincinnati event, Gauff had played two finals, both in WTA 1000 events. Aryna Sabalenka beat her at the Miami Open, while Elina Svitolina denied her the title at the Italian Open, where Gauff played as the defending champion.

Gauff, now a four-time WTA 1000 champion, won her first title since the 2025 Wuhan Open. She has now improved her head-to-head record over Pegula to 5-5.

Pegula was chasing her third title of the season. She, in fact, played her fifth final of the season after the Dubai Open, Charleston Open, Berlin Open, and the Citi Open. In Washington, she lost to Alexandra Eala, which made the 21-year-old the first Filipino to win a tour-level title.

Jessica Pegula on her defeat to Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff clashed with Jessica Pegula for the second time this season following their quarterfinal match at Wimbledon, the result of which ended in the two-time Grand Slam singles champion’s favor. Pegula was chasing her fifth WTA 1000 title, and her first since this year’s Dubai event.

I want to say congrats to Coco and her team. Gosh, you were like a backboard today. It was not fun to play against. I didn’t even think I played bad. I just think you played a really, really high level. So congrats. Amazing momentum headed into the US Open. We know each other so well.

Jessica Pegula said during the trophy presentation

Both American aces will next be shifting their focus to the US Open, which kicks off on August 30. Gauff is a former champion, winning in 2023 by defeating Aryna Sabalenka. The following season, Pegula lost to the Belarusian in the final of her home Slam.

You’re an incredible player. That goes without saying. Playing you is always tough. Today, all the balls were going in on my side, but I don’t like seeing you on the other side of the court. But I like playing with you. But yeah, I just wanted to say congratulations. You’re an incredible person and player.

Coco Gauff said during the trophy presentation

Sabalenka will be entering the US Open as the defending champion. The four-time Grand Slam singles champion beat home favorite Amanda Anisimova last year. Sabalenka, in fact, will be bidding to win her third consecutive title in the New York Major. She will also be hoping to end her title drought, as the last time she clinched a title was at the Miami Open.

Also read: Stefanos Tsitsipas Redefines His Career Path with a Fresh Long-Term Perspective: “I am a Night Owl”