Gauff, 21, won 6-4, 7-6(5) in a highly technical and emotional match. With this victory, she has won her 12th professional final and is emerging as one of the favorites for the U.S. Open, which begins in August.
"Playing at home is always special. I felt the support of the crowd on every point," said Gauff, who already won this tournament in 2023. Her opponent in the final will be Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.
The American has shown a remarkable tactical evolution this season, with a more consistent serve and greater aggressiveness at the net. Her coach Brad Gilbert highlighted her competitive maturity.
The Cincinnati tournament has been key in his preparation for the Grand Slam in New York, where he will seek to repeat the title he won two years ago.