Image Source: WTA Tennis
Coco Gauff continued her impressive 2026 Cincinnati Open campaign on August 18, defeating fellow American Ann Li 6-1, 7-6 (3) to book her place in the tournament’s final 16. The No. 4 seed maintained her perfect record against Li, improving to 4-0 in their head-to-head series.
The victory was Gauff’s first WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz hard-court meeting with Li. Their previous encounters had taken place across different events and surfaces, but the Cincinnati clash provided another test for the 2023 champion as she pursued a deep run at one of the season’s biggest tournaments.
Coco Gauff Delivers Powerful Cincinnati Open Performance
Gauff made a commanding start on Grandstand Court, taking the opening set in just 29 minutes. She protected every service game and calmly handled two break-point opportunities for Li during a game that featured four deuces. Her first-set performance placed immediate pressure on her opponent and underlined her ability to control the rhythm from the baseline.
Across the match, Gauff won 68 percent of her first-service points. Her consistency and court coverage helped her neutralize Li’s variety, while her aggressive ball striking prevented the match from becoming a prolonged defensive battle.
“Honestly, today was a little bit tougher for me coming from night to day, trying to control the ball a little bit, but overall I’m happy with how I played,” Gauff told the press after the match.
She also acknowledged the difficulty of facing Li, who used changes of pace and different shot selections to disrupt her opponent’s timing.
“Ann’s not an easy opponent to play. She has a lot of variety in her game, so I’m happy to get through,” Gauff said.
Ann Li Fights Back Before Gauff Seals the Win
The second set was far more competitive. Gauff broke Li in the opening game, but Li responded immediately with a break of her own. The momentum continued to shift as both players tried to manage challenging Cincinnati conditions, including a lively court and a ball that often moved quickly through the air.
Li appeared close to forcing a deciding set when she moved ahead 5-3. However, her service problems returned at a crucial moment, allowing Gauff to break back and level the set. Once the tiebreak began, Gauff regained control. She played with greater clarity, built an early advantage and closed out the match without allowing Li to create a serious comeback threat.
“I think today I was just trying to accelerate a little bit more because I found at first I was trying to focus on keeping it in and keeping it down,” Gauff explained. “Here with these conditions, if you let up a little bit, the ball’s just going to fly.”
Key Numbers From Gauff’s Cincinnati Victory
- Score: Gauff defeated Li 6-1, 7-6 (3).
- Head-to-head: Gauff now leads their rivalry 4-0.
- WTA 1000 milestone: She reached the fourth round for the 36th time in her career.
- 2026 form: Cincinnati marks her sixth WTA 1000 fourth-round appearance of the season.
- First serve: Gauff won 68 percent of her first-service points.
What Comes Next for the 2023 Cincinnati Champion?
Gauff will next face the winner of Iva Jovic and Marie Bouzkova, who were scheduled to close the night session on Grandstand Court. The next round will present another opportunity for Gauff to build momentum before the final stages of the hard-court swing.
Her latest result also strengthens her position among the most consistent players at WTA 1000 level. Only Aryna Sabalenka, Karolina Pliskova, Elina Svitolina, Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula have reached more career WTA 1000 fourth rounds among active players competing in Cincinnati singles.
Gauff’s ability to recover after surrendering control in the second set was particularly encouraging. Rather than allowing Li’s comeback to force a deciding set, she responded with a composed finish. That resilience could prove vital as the draw becomes tougher and the pressure increases.
The American also discussed her preference between day and night sessions. While she noted that evening matches can bring larger crowds and cooler temperatures, she said she generally prefers playing during the day in order to finish her match earlier. In Cincinnati, however, the atmosphere and conditions make the choice less straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Coco Gauff defeat in Cincinnati?
Coco Gauff defeated fellow American Ann Li in the third round of the 2026 Cincinnati Open.
What was the score between Gauff and Li?
Gauff won 6-1, 7-6 (3), finishing the match in straight sets.
What is Coco Gauff’s record against Ann Li?
Gauff improved to 4-0 against Li across their meetings on the WTA Tour and ITF/World Tennis stage.
Who could Gauff face next?
She will play the winner of the match between Iva Jovic and Marie Bouzkova.
How many WTA 1000 fourth rounds has Gauff reached?
The Cincinnati result marked the 36th WTA 1000 fourth round of Gauff’s career and her sixth such appearance of the 2026 season.
