As the US Open approaches, Coco Gauff is positioning herself to reclaim the Grand Slam title she won in 2023. Her ongoing performance at the Cincinnati Open, where she has advanced to the quarterfinals, is shaping up to be a vital part of her Coco Gauff US Open preparation.
After winning her first major at Flushing Meadows last year by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in front of a supportive home crowd, the American star faced setbacks in 2024. She exited the US Open in the fourth round against Emma Navarro, which was a disappointing outcome compared to her earlier success. However, buoyed by a second Grand Slam victory at Roland Garros this season, Gauff is determined to improve her results in New York and secure a third major title.
Importance of a strong Cincinnati performance in Gauff’s season
Following a challenging start on the North American hard courts, with a loss to 18-year-old Victoria Mboko at the Canadian Open, Gauff has bounced back well in Cincinnati. She has secured two consecutive straight-set wins, signaling an upward trend in form. Last year’s hard-court lead-up included a third-round exit in Canada and an early loss in Cincinnati, in contrast to 2023 when she reached the quarterfinals in Montreal before capturing the Cincinnati Open title.
Historically, Gauff’s advancement deep into WTA 1000 events before Grand Slams has correlated with her championship performances. If she can extend her run further in Cincinnati, it will significantly boost her confidence and match readiness for the US Open’s demanding conditions.
Upcoming quarterfinal clash with Jasmine Paolini
Gauff’s next match at the Cincinnati Open will be against Jasmine Paolini, a former multiple Grand Slam finalist. Their rivalry is evenly matched, with each player having won two of their four previous encounters on the WTA Tour.
The early meetings favored Gauff, with victories in Adelaide 2021 and Cincinnati 2023. However, Paolini has claimed the last two confrontations this season, one at the Stuttgart Open and the other at the Italian Open. Their upcoming contest will mark their first hard-court meeting since 2023, adding further intrigue to the battle for a semifinals spot.
What Gauff’s Cincinnati performance means for the US Open
A strong showing in Cincinnati could prove pivotal as Gauff finalizes her preparation for the US Open. Success in this tournament not only improves her physical conditioning but also sharpens her mental toughness against top competition. Given the trajectory of her current season and previous Grand Slam triumphs, a deep run now may well be the momentum she needs to excel in the final major of the year and vie for her third Grand Slam crown.