ESPN News Services Aug 23, 2026, 08:52 PM ET MASON, [ADDRESS] -- [PERSON_NAME] defeated fellow American [PERSON_NAME], 6-2, 6-4, to capture her second women's [ADDRESS] title on Sunday. In Saturday's semifinals, [PERSON_NAME] beat defending champion [PERSON_NAME] and [PERSON_NAME] defeated [PERSON_NAME] to set up the first all-American women's final at the Cincinnati Open in 56 years. The last time two American women played in the [ADDRESS] final was in 1970, when [PERSON_NAME] beat [PERSON_NAME].

Pegula's best finish in [ADDRESS] came in 2024, when she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the final. [PERSON_NAME], who won the 2023 title beating [PERSON_NAME], stormed out to a 5-0 lead in the first set on Sunday before winning 6-2. [PERSON_NAME] battled back to within 5-4 in the second before [PERSON_NAME] closed out the win. [PERSON_NAME] won five of six break points. 'I think it was a long journey, but I'm happy,' [PERSON_NAME] said. 'I think it's night and day, the player I was last year to now. I don't think that this is an indicator that I'm going to do well in [ADDRESS]. Just knowing the quality ones that I had this week, hopefully I can use that experience.' Gauff had five wins in straight sets in [ADDRESS]. 'I thought she just played at a really high level and didn't really have many dips,' Pegula said. 'I didn't really think I played bad.

The more you construct the point (against her), the worse it is because she almost likes to run. It was tough today. A dangerous, confident [PERSON_NAME] is going to [ADDRESS].' The head-to-head series between [PERSON_NAME] and [ADDRESS] is now tied at five apiece.

Sunday was their second meeting in a final, with [PERSON_NAME] winning at [ADDRESS] last year. 'I don't like seeing you on the other side of the court. But I like playing with you,' [PERSON_NAME] said in her on-court interview, addressing [PERSON_NAME]. 'You're an incredible person and player. Congrats to your team.

You guys are also incredible people. One of the best teams on tour.' When I first came on tour, [Pegula] was one of the few players that was nice to me. That's always stuck a long way with me and my family.

I have so much respect for you. It's an honor to share the court with you once again.' The last time [PERSON_NAME] won at [ADDRESS], she went on to win the US Open for her first Grand Slam title. The Associated Press contributed to this report.