This was Gauff’s first WTA 500 title, defeating Maria Sakkari in the finals 6-2, 6-3. She did not drop a set on her way to the win.
She is now the third American to win the DC Open following Jessica Pegula and Sloane Stephens. She is also the first teen to win four or more titles since Caroline Wozniacki.
In addition, this is Gauff’s first title on American soil.
“The biggest takeaway, I think that it’s pretty clear what everybody’s going to play, how everybody’s going to play me on the scouting report,” Gauff said.
“I think that consistently this week I have beaten that scouting report, and I think that’s why the players tend to get a little more frustrated.”
She credited her win to her new coaching team of Pere Riba and Brad Gilbert, saying:
“It’s our first tournament as a full team.”
“I’m glad that we were able to make this result. I know those who were with me at Wimbledon it was really tough a couple of weeks ago. We were all feeling it. I’m glad I was able to bounce back.”
Both Gauff and Sakkari are next headed to Montreal to play in the National Bank Open.