2023 champion Gauff returning to Cincinnati for title defense

Last summer, American Coco Gauff

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In 2024, Gauff, Swiatek and most of the Hologic WTA Tour elite will be back at the Lindner Family Tennis Center for the second of two consecutive WTA 1000 events on North American soil ahead of the US Open.

18 of the Top 20 in this week’s PIF WTA Rankings are entered in Cincinnati, which is celebrating its 125th edition in 2024 and will be played from Aug. 11-19. World No.46 Elisabetta Cocciaretto

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In addition to Gauff, two other former tournament champions were on the initial entry list: 2019 winner Madison Keys

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Karolina Muchova

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Gauff defeated Muchova in last year's final 6-3, 6-4 -- a preview of the US Open semifinal match they played less than a month later that was also won by Gauff on her way to the title.

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova

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“We are excited to welcome an elite field to compete for the Cincinnati Open title this August,” tournament director Bob Moran said in a statement. “There have been so many intriguing storylines throughout this season, and which will certainly continue over the coming weeks through the Olympics and into the Cincinnati Open.

"We are hearing from players and fans alike how much they are looking forward to the tournament, and we cannot wait to open our doors to all for another exceptional event.”

The star-studded field will play at a tournament that's seen many new upgrades and enhancements for 2024, including the addition of four new practice courts.