Coco Gauff beats Ann Li to reach Cincinnati Open last 16
Coco Gauff beat fellow American Ann Li 6-1, 7-6 (3) on Tuesday to reach the Cincinnati Open fourth round, improving her head-to-head record against Li to 4-0. The No. 4 seed and 2023 champion now awaits the Iva Jovic–Marie Bouzkova winner as US Open preparations intensify.
No. 4 seed and 2023 champion Coco Gauff secured her spot in the last 16 at the 2026 Western & Southern Open with a straight-sets victory over Ann Li. Gauff told reporters the day session felt tougher after playing at night, but she was happy with how she handled Li's variety and the fast Cincinnati hard courts.
Key Takeaways
- Gauff defeated Li 6-1, 7-6 (3) and remains 4-0 all-time against her fellow American.
- The win marked Gauff's sixth WTA 1000 fourth round of the 2026 season and her 36th career at that level.
- Li led 5-3 in the second set before Gauff broke back and dominated the tiebreak.
- Gauff next faces the winner of Iva Jovic vs. Marie Bouzkova for a quarterfinal berth.
- World No. 9 Elina Svitolina withdrew from the event with a right ankle injury.
How Did Coco Gauff Beat Ann Li in Cincinnati?
The 29-minute first set was flawless for Gauff. She held serve throughout, including a four-deuce game where she saved two break points midway through the set. Gauff won 68% of her first-serve points across the match, according to WTA Tennis.
The second set proved far tighter. Li broke back after dropping her serve in the opening game and later seized a 5-3 lead, threatening to force a decider. Gauff responded by breaking Li again to level the set, then cruised through the tiebreak 7-3 to close out the win.
What Does This Win Mean for Gauff's US Open Prep?
Tuesday marked the first WTA Tour hard-court meeting between Gauff and Li, making the result a useful benchmark with the US Open starting August 30. Gauff said she tried to accelerate more as both players struggled with balls flying long in Cincinnati's conditions.
With the victory, Gauff reached her sixth WTA 1000 fourth round of the season. Among active players in Cincinnati singles, only Aryna Sabalenka, Karolina Pliskova, Elina Svitolina, Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula have more career WTA 1000 fourth-round appearances than Gauff's 36.
Who Does Coco Gauff Play Next at the Cincinnati Open?
Gauff will face the winner of Iva Jovic and Marie Bouzkova, with that third-round match closing out the night session on Grandstand Court. A win would put the 22-year-old into the Cincinnati quarterfinals as she chases another deep run at a tournament she won in 2023.
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka also advanced in straight sets, beating Wang Xinyu 6-1, 6-3 to reach the last 16. For broader sports and performance-tech coverage, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
Why Did Elina Svitolina Withdraw From Cincinnati?
Elsewhere at the Western & Southern Open, world No. 9 Elina Svitolina pulled out ahead of her third-round match against Wang Xiyu due to a right ankle injury, per Sky Sports. Wang advances via walkover and will face Madison Keys in the fourth round.
Svitolina said she tried to recover from an injury sustained in Toronto that was aggravated during her second-round win over Tereza Valentova. She is next scheduled to compete at the US Open later this month.