Coco Gauff ends Sara Bejlek’s giant-killing run at Cincinnati Open

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates after defeating Sara Bejlek of Czechia 6-4, 6-1 during day 12 of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 22, 2026 in Mason, Ohio. Dylan Buell/Getty Images/AFP 

CINCINNATI–Coco Gauff powered past giant-killer Sara Bejlek, 6-4, 6-1, to reach the final of the WTA Cincinnati Open, setting up a title showdown against Jessica Pegula.

Gauff ended the unseeded Czech’s dream run that included a fourth-round victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

Gauff, the 2023 Cincinnati champion, got off to a hot start against Bejlek, jumping to a 4-1 lead.

Bejlek fought back to 4-4, but the American regained her rhythm to close out the set and run away with the second.

“I tried not to take my foot off the gas because I knew at any moment she could come back,” Gauff said.

Gauff and Pegula battle in the all-American final, the first in  Cincinnati in 56 years, on Monday (Philippine time).

The last time two American women played in the Cincinnati final was in 1970, when Rosie Casals beat Nancy Richey.

“I’m always rooting for American tennis,” Pegula, who dethroned Iga Swiatek in the other semifinal, said.

“I like to play someone that I get along with and have a lot of respect for, like Coco. I didn’t realize it was so long since we’ve had a double American final. The crowd can just go out there and enjoy the match.”