World number five Jessica Pegula delivered a clinical performance to defeat Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-4 in the final and claim the Dubai Tennis Championships title on Saturday.
The victory marked Svitolina’s first defeat in a WTA 1000 final, having previously won all four of her appearances at that stage. Pegula, who turns 32 on Tuesday, became the second-oldest woman to win the tournament after fellow American Venus Williams, who lifted the trophy in 2014 at the age of 33.
Pegula made a strong start, racing to a 3-0 lead in the opening set. She dictated play from the baseline and secured the first break with a precise cross-court backhand before consolidating with a composed service game. The American saved two break points to extend her advantage to 5-1, and Svitolina’s forehand error handed Pegula the opening set.
In the second set, Pegula maintained her composure and secured a decisive break in the fifth game. She sealed the match with an ace, capturing her 10th career title and ending a three-match losing streak in WTA 1000 finals.
“It’s a great birthday present for me. I get to celebrate by flying back home in a few hours. Super happy to go home with the trophy. It was a great week,” Pegula said after the match.
Reflecting on her performance, she added: “Speechless after that fight. I was really trying to put myself out there, and I was playing like there is no tomorrow, just trying to put all the effort in.”
