Gauff’s title, Ruud’s first pitch and more from the week in tennis

Entering last week’s Citi Open in Washington, Coco Gauff had never won a title on American soil. Nor, for that matter, had she won a title at anything other than a 250-level event.

And as her last match had been a devastating first-round defeat at Wimbledon and she was playing in her first event with new coaches Pere Riba and Brad Gilbert, the 19-year-old wasn’t exactly the favorite as play got underway.

But none of those details seemed to matter to the world No. 7 as she cruised to the fourth — and biggest — title of her career on Sunday. Gauff was dominant throughout the week as she didn’t drop a set and consistently showed off an improved serve and forehand. In the final she needed just 84 minutes to defeat Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-3, for her second title of the year.

After clinching the win, Gauff couldn’t help but twirl and dance in celebration.

DANCE 💃 IT 💃 OUT@CocoGauff | #MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/9ihAMAISMX

– wta (@WTA) August 6, 2023

After her disappointing finish at the All England Club last month, Gauff seemed relieved to get her season back on track.

“It’s our first tournament as a full team,” Gauff said on court in reference to Riba and Gilbert. “I’m glad that we were able to make this result. Thank you for sticking with me. I know those who were with me at Wimbledon, it was really tough. … I’m glad I was able to bounce back.”

Gauff, who went on to credit her parents for being the reason she plays the sport and for her “good personality,” became the first teenager to win four or more WTA titles since Caroline Wozniacki. She also is now firmly back in the conversation as a legitimate contender for the upcoming US Open.

Following Gauff’s victory, Dan Evans and Tallon Griekspoor squared off in the men’s final with both also looking for the most important title of their careers. The 33-year-old Evans ultimately won, 7-5, 6-3, becoming the oldest champion at the event since 1988 and improving his ranking from No. 30 to No. 21. For his efforts, Evans received a $353,445 paycheck. Despite the tournament giving equal billing to the men and women and being the first joint 500-level event, Gauff earned $120,150.

In a news conference, tournament chair Mark Ein said the event would offer equal pay starting in 2027.

Gauff and Evans’ victories, and their disproportionate prize money, weren’t the only storylines worth knowing about last week. Here’s what else you might have missed:

On paper, Gauff’s round of 16 match against world No. 204 Hailey…