DUBAI: Jessica Pegula handed Elina Svitolina her first loss in a WTA 1000 final in a dominant 6-2, 6-4 victory to win the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday.

World number five Pegula, who edged compatriot Amanda Anisimova on the semis, quickly built a 3-0 lead in the first set as she kept Ukrainian Svitolina near the baseline before getting the first break with a backhand cross-court shot and holding her own serve with a masterful backhand slice.

Svitolina’s attempt to bounce back ended when former US Open finalist Pegula saved two break points to go 5-1 up. A frustrated Svitolina, who denied an all-US final as she downed Coco Gauff in the last-four match, netted a forehand as Pegula took the set.

American Pegula, who turns 32 on Tuesday, was measured in the second set as she got a decisive break in the fifth game to secure her 10th title on the tour, ending a three-match losing streak in WTA 1000 finals.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2026