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Jessica Pegula is one victory away from reaching the Cincinnati Open final after advancing to the semifinals in a tournament that has produced a remarkable showing for American tennis. The No. 3-ranked American will face fifth-ranked Iga Swiatek on Saturday in a high-profile clash between two of the women’s game’s most accomplished players.
Pegula’s semifinal appearance is part of an historic Cincinnati run for the United States. Coco Gauff also moved into the women’s final four, while Frances Tiafoe and Brandon Nakashima reached the men’s semifinals. It marks the first time since 2010 that two American men have reached the Cincinnati semifinals in the same year.
Jessica Pegula Sets Up Powerful Swiatek Showdown
Pegula booked her place in the last four after defeating Amanda Anisimova on Thursday. The result continued a strong week for the American, who has looked composed and competitive against a difficult field at the WTA 1000 event.
Her next challenge will be Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most formidable players on hard courts. The Polish star entered the semifinal after a successful opening stretch in Cincinnati and will test Pegula’s movement, consistency and ability to control long rallies.
The matchup carries significant importance for both players. Pegula is seeking another major tournament final and valuable momentum ahead of the US Open. Swiatek, meanwhile, will be looking to convert her strong form into a deep Cincinnati run before the final Grand Slam of the season.
- Semifinal matchup: Jessica Pegula vs. Iga Swiatek
- Pegula’s ranking: No. 3 in the world
- Swiatek’s ranking: No. 5 in the world
- Previous quarterfinal result: Pegula defeated Amanda Anisimova
Gauff Powers Through to Another Cincinnati Semifinal
Coco Gauff added to the American success by defeating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 6-2. The straight-sets victory was a confident performance from the reigning US Open champion, who took control early and avoided allowing Kostyuk to establish a rhythm.
Gauff will face surprising Czech semifinalist Sara Bejlek. The 20-year-old Bejlek produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16. She then outlasted 2019 Cincinnati champion Madison Keys 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in a dramatic quarterfinal.
Gauff acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that she had watched Bejlek closely after the Czech player won a title in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. The semifinal gives Gauff another opportunity to build confidence before returning to Flushing Meadows.
Historic American Surge Reaches Both Draws
The men’s draw delivered its own breakthrough. Frances Tiafoe defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 7-6 (2), 7-5, while Brandon Nakashima edged fellow American Taylor Fritz 7-6 (9), 4-6, 6-3.
The victories created an all-American semifinal between Tiafoe and Nakashima. It is the first time two American men have reached the Cincinnati semifinals since Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish achieved the feat in 2010.
Nakashima’s run is particularly notable. He became the first American man since Fish in 2011 to reach the semifinals in both Canada and Cincinnati during the same season. He is coached by Wayne Ferreira, who previously worked with Tiafoe, adding another compelling storyline to their matchup.
Tiafoe, who reached the Cincinnati final in 2024 before losing to Jannik Sinner, said he was pleased with his mental progress during the week. He will now prepare for a semifinal featuring a familiar opponent and a place in the championship match at stake.
Why Pegula’s Run Matters Before the US Open
For Pegula, the Cincinnati semifinal offers more than a chance to win another prestigious title. The event provides an important measure of her form before the US Open, where expectations will be high for the leading American women.
A victory over Swiatek would strengthen Pegula’s standing among the tournament’s elite and could give her a major boost heading into New York. It would also continue an encouraging summer for American tennis, with multiple players making deep runs at one of the final major hard-court events before the season’s biggest stage.
According to ESPN and the Associated Press, all four American semifinalists expressed support for one another during the tournament. Gauff said the group’s success felt “insane” and hoped the United States could celebrate both a men’s and women’s title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Jessica Pegula play in the Cincinnati semifinal?
Jessica Pegula will face fifth-ranked Iga Swiatek in the women’s semifinal on Saturday.
How did Pegula reach the Cincinnati semifinals?
Pegula advanced after defeating Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinal round on Thursday.
Who is Coco Gauff facing next?
Coco Gauff will play 20-year-old Czech semifinalist Sara Bejlek.
Why is the Cincinnati tournament historic for American tennis?
Four Americans reached the semifinals across the men’s and women’s draws. It is also the first time since 2010 that two American men have reached the Cincinnati semifinals in the same year.
