Jessica Pegula solidified her reputation as one of the world’s elite hard-court competitors by winning the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday. The world number five defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-4, claiming her fourth WTA 1000 title and her first championship since the 2025 Bad Homburg Open. Pegula’s dominance on hard courts is evident, with all her WTA 1000 titles and seven of her ten career titles earned on this surface.
Insights into Pegula’s Hard-Court Strengths
After her triumph in Dubai, Pegula shared with the WTA how she has become so effective on hard courts. She explained,
“I take the ball very early. Hard court, I like the footing on hard. I like that there’s no bad bounces, things that can go wrong.”
Her preference for the predictable and true bounces hard courts offer allows her to develop a consistent rhythm.
“I hit pretty hard, deep and flat, so I think my ball kind of skids through the court,”
Pegula added, highlighting her playing style.
She also noted how her rhythm built throughout her recent matches helped her peak performance.
“When I can find my rhythm on a hard court, that’s when I start playing my best tennis. I think tonight, even last night [against Anisimova] I found it at the end and was able to carry it into today.”
I was taking the ball early, hitting my forehand really well, taking away time and changing direction.
– Jessica Pegula, Professional Tennis Player
Pegula remains one of the standout hard-court players alongside fellow top competitors Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, and Amanda Anisimova. She transcends the “counterpuncher” label often applied to her, demonstrating powerful serves and groundstrokes that allow her to dictate play, rather than simply respond.
Rick Macci Praises Pegula as an Exemplary Role Model
Rick Macci, renowned for coaching Venus and Serena Williams early in their careers, took to X [formerly Twitter] to commend Pegula after her Dubai victory. He emphasized her dedication and professionalism, stating,
“Jessica Pegula loves the competition and is all about the competition. Great work ethic, great attitude [and] still improving at age 32.”
Unreal role model for a billion reasons for every junior with wealthy parents.
– Rick Macci, Tennis Coach
Support Among American Players and Upcoming Tournaments
Next on Pegula’s schedule is the ATX Open, where she enters as the top seed and title defender, having won the event in 2025. Speaking about the camaraderie within the American women’s tennis community, Pegula reflected,
I think Americans love feeling patriotic, pushing each other, and always want the American players to be the best.
She further elaborated on the support system among the players, saying,
We do an amazing job of supporting each other, and it’s been really fun. When you grow up practicing with these girls, living near each other, and seeing them succeed, you think, ‘I practice with her all the time. I beat her in practice… I can do the same thing.’
The ATX Open will also feature notable participants like Iva Jovic and tennis legend Venus Williams, who at 45 has received a wildcard entry into the tournament. The event promises strong competition as Pegula seeks to defend her points and maintain her hard-court momentum.
UNREAL tennis from Jess Pegula 👏
This angle 🤩#DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/WbVudcykX4
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 21, 2026
Jessica Pegula loves the competition and is all about the competition. Great work ethic Great attitude still improving at age 32. Unreal role model for a Billion Reasons for every junior with wealthy parents.@Jessicapegula16
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) February 22, 2026
