Coco Gauff has once again etched her name into tennis history, achieving a remarkable WTA 1000 milestone at the Cincinnati Open that places her among the sport’s all-time greats. At just 21, the American sensation overcame a sluggish start to her 2025 campaign in Cincinnati, powering through to the third round with a performance that underscores her resilience and star power. Her latest victory not only marks a significant step in her US Open preparations but also sees her surpass a record previously set by tennis legend Caroline Wozniacki, solidifying her status as one of the game’s brightest talents.
Gauff, the 2023 Cincinnati Open champion, entered this year’s tournament as the second seed, carrying the weight of high expectations after a stellar clay-court season. Her 6-4, 6-3 triumph over unseeded Xinyu Wang in the second round on August 9, 2025, showcased her ability to adapt and dominate on hard courts. This win propelled Gauff to her 33rd career victory at a WTA 1000 event, a feat only Wozniacki had achieved before the age of 21. Reflecting on her journey, Gauff said, “I’m really happy with how I was able to manage this week. It’s always special to play in Cincinnati, especially after everything I went through earlier this summer.” Her words echo the determination that has defined her rapid rise, from a teenage prodigy to a world No. 2-ranked player.
The Cincinnati Open has long been a stage for Gauff’s heroics. In 2023, she clinched her first WTA 1000 title here, defeating Karolina Muchova in a commanding 6-3, 6-4 final. That victory, coupled with her upset of world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, marked a turning point in her career, giving her the belief she could conquer Grand Slams. “It gave me the belief that I could win a Slam,” Gauff shared, reflecting on her 2023 Cincinnati triumph. “It was a great statement tournament and led me to believe that I could beat top players.” Her success that year carried her to her first major singles title at the US Open, a feat she followed with a second Grand Slam win at Roland Garros in 2025.
This year, however, Gauff’s path to Cincinnati glory hasn’t been without challenges. After a dazzling clay-court run that included finals in Madrid and Rome and a title in Paris, her recent form on hard courts wavered. Early exits in Berlin, Wimbledon, and a finals loss to Victoria Mboko in Montreal raised questions about her readiness for the North American swing. Yet, Gauff’s performance against Wang demonstrated her ability to recalibrate. “Today I really won it off of breaking serve, to be honest,” she admitted, acknowledging a less-than-stellar serving day. “I think that’s what makes a champion, is how you’re doing on the days you aren’t feeling so great. I’m glad I was able to push through.” Her ability to win crucial points, converting over half of her break-point opportunities, proved decisive.
Gauff’s milestone is a testament to her consistency at the WTA 1000 level. With 33 wins before turning 21, she joins Wozniacki in an exclusive club, a remarkable achievement for a player who burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old wildcard at Wimbledon in 2019. Her journey since then has been nothing short of extraordinary—10 WTA singles titles, including the 2023 US Open and 2024 WTA Finals, and a career-high ranking of No. 2 in June 2024. Her dominance extends to doubles, where she has claimed nine titles, including a 2024 Roland Garros crown with Katerina Siniakova.
The Cincinnati crowd, known for its passionate support, has embraced Gauff as one of their own. “They’ve given me a lot of support,” she said, recalling the electric atmosphere during her 2023 run. As she prepares for her third-round match, potentially against top players like Aryna Sabalenka or Iga Swiatek, Gauff remains focused on the present. Her recent struggles have only fueled her determination, with new coaches Brad Gilbert and Pere Riba helping refine her game. “I’m going to give it my all,” she declared, a mindset that has carried her through adversity before.
Gauff’s milestone comes at a pivotal moment, with the US Open looming. As one of four American women in the WTA top 10—alongside Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Amanda Anisimova—she represents a golden era for U.S. tennis. “That’s the beautiful thing about being an American – all of us look different,” Gauff said, celebrating the diversity of her peers. “We have biracial, Black, white [players], all types of representation for girls and guys to look up to.” Her pride in this collective success underscores her role as a trailblazer, both on and off the court.
As Gauff continues her Cincinnati campaign, the tennis world watches with bated breath. Can she defend her 2023 title and add another chapter to her storied career? With her blend of power, poise, and perseverance, Gauff is proving she belongs among the elite, ready to chase more records and inspire a new generation of fans.
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