Jessica Pegula’s Dramatic Dubai Comeback Sets Up WTA 1000 Final Showdown With Svitolina

Jessica Pegula storms into the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final after a dramatic 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback over fellow American Amanda Anisimova, extending her head-to-head dominance to 5-0 and booking her 21st career final appearance—her tenth at WTA 1000 level or above. Now the world No. 4 faces resurgent Elina Svitolina on Tuesday, 21 February, for a shot at her fourth WTA 1000 title and first trophy in the Middle East. Pegula leads their rivalry 5-3, winning five of seven outdoor hard-court meetings, a key stat on Dubai’s pacy surface. Key talking points 1. Ultimate test of resilience • Pegula dug out of a 6-1, 3-1 hole against Anisimova by mixing high defensive lobs with low, flat drives that disrupted her opponent’s first-strike rhythm. • The Buffalo native won seven of the next eight games from 4-3 down, leaning on her trademark consistency and superior fitness—assets she’ll need against Svitolina’s counter-punching style. 2. Perfect timing for calendar reform push • Off-court, Pegula has just been elected chair of a newly created WTA council tasked with revamping the crowded tour schedule, a role that could reshape player workloads as injuries mount across the circuit. • Victory in Dubai would amplify her voice on the council, adding fresh momentum to calls for a more balanced calendar. 3. What a title would mean • A win would lift Pegula above No. 3 Elena Rybakina in the live rankings race, putting her on track for a potential top-three finish before Indian Wells. • She would also become the first American to capture Dubai since Lindsay Davenport in 2005, enhancing her profile ahead of the Sunshine Double swing. 4. Match details and how to watch • Final: Tuesday, 19:00 local (UTC +4) / 15:00 GMT. • Broadcasters: Tennis Channel (US), beIN Sports (MENA), WTA TV worldwide streaming. • Live scores and interactive draw available on WTA.com. 5. Head-to-head snapshot Pegula vs Svitolina • Overall: 5-3 Pegula • Hard courts: 5-2 Pegula • Finals: first meeting Pegula’s flat backhand into Svitolina’s forehand wing has been a recurring pattern of success, forcing short replies she converts with inside-out forehands. SEO FAQ Q – What time does Jessica Pegula play the Dubai final? A – The Pegula vs Svitolina final starts at 19:00 local time (Dubai), Tuesday, 21 February 2026. Q – How many WTA 1000 titles has Pegula won? A – Three: Guadalajara 2022, Montreal 2023, and Toronto 2024. Q – Is Jessica Pegula leading a new WTA council? A – Yes. She was elected chair of the council focused on tour-calendar reform in February 2026. With her on-court momentum and off-court leadership converging, Jessica Pegula heads into the Dubai showpiece not just chasing silverware but shaping the future of women’s tennis.