WTA 100. DUBAI
American star Jessica Pegula claimed the title at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday, lifting the 10th trophy of her career — and her fourth at WTA 1000 level.
Pegula battled back from a set down to defeat compatriot Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals before sealing the championship with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Elina Svitolina in the final. Just two days shy of her 32nd birthday, Pegula became only the third American woman to win the Dubai crown, joining Lindsay Davenport and three-time champion Venus Williams.
“I couldn’t ask for much more. The last six months I’ve been playing really good tennis,” Pegula said after the final. “I reached seven consecutive semifinals and thought, ‘You know what, a title would be nice — maybe it happens this week.’ And it did.”
Competing in her first event since the Australian Open, Pegula also defeated rising American talent Iva Jovic in the third round. With her semifinal win over Anisimova, she improved to 16 victories in her last 17 matches against fellow Americans and holds an impressive 54-16 overall record against compatriots.
While Pegula enjoys the friendly rivalries within U.S. tennis, she emphasized how proud she is to be part of such a strong generation.
“The depth we have in the U.S. right now is pretty crazy,” she said. “It feels like whenever I go deep in a tournament, there are a lot of Americans there — especially with Coco and Amanda doing so well. It’s amazing. I’m glad to be part of this era.”
Pegula credited the competitive environment among American players for pushing the group to new heights. She also embraced her role as a mentor for the next wave of talent, including 18-year-old Jovic.
“There are so many young players like Iva coming up, and I’m much older than them — which is a little depressing,” she joked. “It’s an honor to represent my country in the Billie Jean King Cup and the Olympics, and I hope I can be a role model for the next generation.”
Strong Momentum in Recent Months
Dubai is the latest highlight in what has been a remarkably consistent stretch for Pegula. Over the past several months, she has been one of the most reliable performers on tour, reaching multiple semifinals and making a breakthrough run to the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this season — her deepest showing yet in Melbourne.
Her ability to deliver week after week at the highest level has solidified her status as one of the WTA’s most consistent contenders, and with another WTA 1000 trophy now in hand, Pegula continues to strengthen her case as a major threat heading into the heart of the season.