Jessica Pegula demonstrated remarkable resilience at the Dubai Duty Free Championships by overturning a difficult position against Amanda Anisimova to reach the WTA 1000 final. Facing a set deficit and trailing 3–1 in the second set, the World No. 5 from the United States fought back fiercely to claim victory in a two-hour and two-minute battle, advancing to her 21st career final on the WTA tour.
This match also marked Pegula’s flawless fifth win in as many meetings against Anisimova, highlighting her growing dominance over the young American rival. Pegula’s comeback was a key moment in the tournament, showcasing her tactical adjustments and mental toughness at a critical stage in Dubai.
Anisimova Starts Strong Before Pegula Finds Her Rhythm
Amanda Anisimova began the match with confident and aggressive play, swiftly taking the first set 6–1 and putting immediate pressure on Pegula. In the second set, Pegula initially struggled to find her rhythm, falling behind 3–1 as Anisimova continued to strike the ball cleanly and dictate play.
However, Pegula shifted her strategy, introducing defensive slices that disrupted Anisimova’s timing and momentum. This tactical shift allowed Pegula to even the second set at 6–4, forcing a decisive third set. Once the momentum swung, Pegula seized control, racing to a 4–1 lead and eventually closing out the match 6–3 in the final set.
Brad Gilbert Praises Pegula’s Consistent Strong Form Since US Open
Former World No. 4 and Coco Gauff’s previous coach Brad Gilbert took to social media to commend Pegula’s tenacity and consistent performances. Since the 2025 US Open, Pegula has shown impressive form, reaching at least the semifinals in every event she’s entered, except during the Wuhan and Dubai tournaments where she advanced to finals.
“What a run Jpeg on since @usopen into the final of Dubai, solid turnaround to take out AA,”
Brad Gilbert, Former World No. 4 and Coach
Gilbert’s recognition highlights Pegula’s growing stature and resilience on the WTA tour, emphasizing her ability to adapt and fight back under pressure, traits that have defined her recent string of performances.
Pegula Reflects on Match and Anisimova’s Early Dominance
Following the intense encounter, Pegula acknowledged Anisimova’s powerful tennis during the opening stages and shared insights into her own mental approach during the comeback. Despite losing the first set, she remained focused on holding her serve and maintaining belief that break opportunities would come.
“At the start of the third, it was 1-1. I just looked at my coach, and I was like, ‘I’m just happy I’m still even here right now.’ She was playing some incredible tennis, and I just came out a little slow. And when you come out slow against Amanda, she can really just wipe you off the court, which is what she was doing,”
Jessica Pegula, World No. 5 Player
“I held on to my serve there in the second set. I just kept telling myself that. I had some break points in the first set, even though it was convincingly the other way, and I knew I could get some break points back. That’s really all I was focusing on,”
Jessica Pegula, World No. 5 Player
Elina Svitolina Set to Face Pegula in Dubai Final After Dramatic Win
Jessica Pegula’s opponent in the Dubai final will be Elina Svitolina, who advanced by defeating Coco Gauff in a tightly contested semifinal. After losing an exhausting second-set tie-break that lasted 15–13, Svitolina rallied to capture the match 6-4, 6-7(15), 6-4. This hard-fought victory reflects the intense competition Pegula will face in the title match as both players strive for a prestigious WTA 1000 championship.
Significance of Pegula’s Victory and Future Outlook
Pegula’s tenacity in Dubai reinforces her status as a consistent top contender on the WTA tour, with her performance highlighting important qualities such as adaptability, mental toughness, and strategic play. Extending her undefeated record against Anisimova to five wins signals a psychological advantage that could influence future encounters.
As the season progresses, Pegula’s showing in Dubai indicates she remains a serious threat in major tournaments, continuing a promising streak that includes multiple deep runs in Grand Slam events and WTA Finals. Her upcoming final against Svitolina will be a critical test of her form and a chance to further cement her place among the elite in women’s tennis.
what a run Jpeg on since @usopen into the final of Dubai, solid turnaround to take out AA
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) February 20, 2026
