The 2025 Cincinnati Open is heating up, and the women’s draw is delivering high-octane drama at the newly revamped Lindner Family Tennis Center. On August 10, world No. 3 Iga Swiatek secured a seamless passage to the round of 16 without striking a ball, while American stars Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula showcased their hard-court prowess with commanding straight-set victories. The trio’s performances, set against the backdrop of a star-studded WTA 1000 event, signal their intent to build momentum ahead of the US Open, making Cincinnati a thrilling prelude to the season’s final Grand Slam.
Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, was handed a walkover into the fourth round when her scheduled opponent, No. 25 seed Marta Kostyuk, withdrew due to a wrist injury just before their third-round clash. The Polish superstar, who had earlier dispatched Anastasia Potapova 6-1, 6-4 in a brisk 67 minutes, expressed mixed feelings about the unexpected bye. “I’d rather win on the court, but I’ll take the rest and focus on what’s next,” Swiatek said, her focus already shifting to her upcoming match against either Sorana Cirstea or Yuan Yue. The 24-year-old, who reached the Cincinnati semifinals in 2023 and 2024, is chasing her first title at the event, a milestone that would bolster her hard-court credentials after a stellar grass-court campaign. Her 45-12 record this season, including five titles, underscores her consistency, though a recent round-of-16 loss to Clara Tauson in Montreal has her hungry for redemption.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, the No. 2 seed and 2023 Cincinnati champion, delivered a masterclass against China’s Wang Xinyu, cruising to a 6-3, 6-2 victory in just 69 minutes. The 21-year-old American, coming off a doubles title at the Canadian Open, converted five of five break points and won 74% of her first-serve points, showcasing the aggressive form that earned her the 2025 Roland Garros crown. “I felt in control from the start,” Gauff said, her confidence palpable as she prepares to face Dayana Yastremska, who stunned her in the first round at Wimbledon. Gauff’s 31-10 record this season reflects her growth, though she’s eager to overcome her 2024 Cincinnati stumble, where she fell in the opening round as defending champion. Her clash with Yastremska promises fireworks, especially given their history and Gauff’s determination to solidify her No. 2 ranking.
Jessica Pegula, the No. 4 seed and 2024 Cincinnati finalist, also made a strong statement, defeating Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-4, 6-3 in a gritty 85-minute battle. Despite squandering a 4-1 lead in the first set, Pegula regained her composure, breaking Birrell in the 10th game to secure the opener and earning the lone break in the second set’s fourth game to seal the win. “It got tight for a moment, but I stayed focused and trusted my game,” Pegula reflected, her resilience echoing her 17-2 record at WTA 1000 events in North America. The Buffalo native, who won the Canadian Open in 2023 and 2024, faces Magda Linette next, a matchup that tests her ability to maintain momentum after a 35-14 season highlighted by titles in Charleston and Bad Homburg.
The Cincinnati Open’s expanded 94-player draw, with a $5 million prize purse and 1,000 ranking points up for grabs, has set the stage for intense battles. Swiatek, Gauff, and Pegula, all among the top seeds, are joined by defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and local hero Venus Williams, making the tournament a proving ground for US Open contenders. Fans on social media are abuzz, with one proclaiming, “Iga, Coco, and Jess are bringing the heat to Ohio!” As Swiatek conserves energy, Gauff sharpens her serve, and Pegula channels her hard-court expertise, the trio’s performances signal a fierce American swing. With the US Open looming, Cincinnati’s fast courts—despite Alexander Zverev’s complaints about their slower pace this year—are setting the stage for a thrilling race to Flushing Meadows, where these stars aim to shine.
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