Coco Gauff on her Cincinnati breakthrough and the golden era of U.S. women’s tennis

Coco Gauff recently took a moment to look back on a milestone moment in her career—the breakthrough she experienced at the Cincinnati Open—and how it helped light the spark for what has blossomed into a golden era for American women’s tennis.

It all began in 2023, when a young Coco clinched her first WTA 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open—a tournament she fondly refers to as a “statement tournament.” That victory didn’t just bring hardware; it gave her something even more valuable: belief. “It gave me the belief that I could win a Slam,” she shared. Indeed, just weeks later, she shocked the tennis world by capturing her first Grand Slam at the U.S. Open—a confident leap she credits in part to that Ohio triumph.

Fast forward to 2025, and Gauff is reflecting not just on her own journey, but on the broader momentum of American women’s tennis. She’s now part of a powerhouse lineup that includes Jessica Pegula (world No. 4), Madison Keys (No. 6), and Amanda Anisimova (No. 8), with Emma Navarro close behind at No. 11—a depth that Gauff finds both thrilling and inspiring.

But it’s not just the rankings that light her up—it’s the diversity of the group, too. “We have biracial, Black, white—all types of representation for girls and guys to look up to,” she said, highlighting how a broader spectrum of faces near the top makes the sport richer and more meaningful.

In Cincinnati this year, Gauff also showered praise on the venue itself—celebrating the $260 million renovation that transformed the tournament site into more than just a sporting arena. She highlighted the upgraded player amenities—from chill-out spaces where athletes can retreat to the “unlimited food” spread featuring acai bowls and smoothies—that add comfort and joy to the rigorous tour experience.

Simply put, Gauff’s words offer a compelling snapshot of a remarkable moment in American tennis: an athlete with talent, tenacity, and grace looking back on the defining matches that shaped her and looking ahead with pride at the wave of talent rising alongside her.