Coco Gauff is priced at 6/1 to win the 2026 US Open after she powered past Jessica Pegula to claim her second Cincinnati Open title.
The two-time Grand Slam champion dropped just one set in Ohio on her path to Masters 1000 glory, where she became the third female player after Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka to win the prestigious event twice.
What made Gauff's run all the more impressive was that the set she dropped happened to be her very first one in the opening round against Liudmila Samsonova, with the American powering back to win in three.
She then dispatched 28th seed Ann Li, 22nd seed Marie Bouzková, 10th seed Marta Kostyuk and Sara Bejlek in the semi-finals to setup a tantalising showdown with compatriot and third seed Pegula in the showpiece.
Where many predicted a close encounter, Gauff required only an hour and 14 minutes to topple Pegula as she produced a masterclass to win 6-2 6-4.
Gauff's second crowning moment in Cincinnati was a far cry from her previous visit to The Queen City, where error-strewn performances resulted in confidence eroding and her progression seemingly at a crossroads.
Since then the 22-year-old has been steadily building, reaching four WTA 1000 semi-finals and two finals prior to her seamless run at Cincinnati. This was one of the most comprehensive triumphs in her decorated career.
"I think with each match, I was feeling more and more confident in trusting the work that I put in and the practice - knowing that I can figure out these matches," said Gauff.
"It's going to be tough in New York, but just knowing the quality wins that I had this week, knowing that I'm able to figure it out even if I'm not playing my best, but also knowing that I can play that great tennis that I felt like I was playing this week."
Gauff cried on court during her second-round match against Donna Vekic at the US Open last year.
She still emerged victorious, overcoming her shaky serve to eliminate the Croatian, before her run was ended at the hands of Naomi Osaka in the last-16.
On this occasion, Gauff will be hoping to save her tears for the final at Flushing Meadows. Making her way to New York City, she's aiming for a repeat of 2023 - where success in Cincinnati was followed by Grand Slam glory.
Coco Gauff's US Open odds
(Odds will display when the market is available).
