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

Coco Gauff holds a special place in Cincinnati—a city that played a pivotal role in her rise to stardom. Her breakthrough at the 2023 Cincinnati Open, where she captured her first WTA 1000 title, continues to fuel her confidence as she approaches the 2025 edition.

“I think it was super important because it gave me the belief that I could win a Slam,” Gauff said. That moment was indeed a game-changer. A few weeks later, she went on to win her first Grand Slam at the U.S. Open, validating the belief sparked in Cincinnati.

That memory of triumph still resonates with Gauff. As she returns to the revamped venue—now featuring upgraded facilities, more courts, and advanced player accommodations—she feels reinvigorated and ready to “push the nitro button.” For Gauff, it’s about giving “literally everything” she has as she heads into one of America’s premier tournaments.

Beyond her own journey, Gauff has become a prominent voice in a resurgence of U.S. women’s tennis. In 2025, an extraordinary four American women—herself, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Amanda Anisimova—are ranked inside the WTA Top 10, with Emma Navarro not far behind. This depth is rare and meaningful.

Reflecting on this strength, Gauff quipped, “For the men, I feel like the women… it hasn’t been much of a competition.” Her lighthearted remark underscores a simple truth—American women are currently outpacing their male counterparts in Grand Slam success and rankings dominance.

Gauff praised the diversity within U.S. women’s tennis: “We have biracial, Black, white—all types of representation for girls and guys to look up to… I hope that continues.” Her sentiment highlights how representation both inspires and reflects progress in the sport.

Looking ahead to the U.S. Open, Gauff shared an ambitious vision: she hopes to see both an American woman and an American man win the same Slam. “At the U.S. Open, they were both in the final… maybe this year some magic can happen,” she added.

Gauff’s journey exemplifies that magic. From her Cincinnati breakthrough to her Grand Slam triumphs, she’s now part of a golden generation of American women redefining the sport. With her continued growth, fierce competitiveness, and candid personality, Gauff remains at the forefront of this exhilarating era.