Pegula denies Anisimova to reach Dubai Open final after comeback
At the dubai open, Jessica Pegula overturned a one-set, one-break deficit to beat Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 and advance to the tournament final, extending her head-to-head record to 5-0. The victory came after 2 hours and 2 minutes and marked Pegula's 21st career final appearance on the WTA Tour.
Pegula’s comeback and match anatomy
Trailing 1-6, 3-1 early, Pegula gradually shifted the match with tactical adjustments rather than a single swing moment. She used high defensive lobs to draw overhead errors and disrupted timing with slices, allowing her to neutralize Anisimova's early aggression. Pegula levelled the second set and then ran away with momentum in the third, winning seven of eight games from one late fourth-set hold to establish control and close out the win.
The match lasted 2 hours and 2 minutes. Pegula’s victory completed a fifth straight win over Anisimova, three of which have gone the distance. After the match, Pegula described simply staying in points, relying on movement and making the match a physical test as decisive elements in her comeback.
Dubai Open final and opponent
With the win, Pegula booked a place in the Dubai final. She will face the No. 7 seed in the title match as she bids to lift the trophy for the first time. Pegula holds a 5-3 head-to-head advantage against that opponent, including a 5-2 edge on outdoor hard courts, a record that factors into the matchup narrative heading into the final.
Milestones and wider significance
The victory advances Pegula’s season- and career-level résumé. This is her 10th final at a WTA 1000 level or above and her 21st career final overall. She is a three-time WTA 1000 champion, with titles at Guadalajara, Montreal and Toronto, and has been runner-up at four other WTA 1000 events. She has also reached the final at end-of-season and major events previously.
Separately, Pegula has now reached five or more WTA 1000 finals since turning 30, joining a very small group of players who have hit that mark. That pattern of late-career consistency frames her run in Dubai as part of a sustained period of high-level performance.
Key takeaways and what comes next
- Pegula improved to 5-0 over Anisimova and advanced to her 21st career final.
Looking ahead, the final will test whether Pegula can convert momentum from this comeback into the title. If she maintains the physical intensity and tactical variety that dismantled Anisimova’s early aggression, her favorable head-to-head record against the scheduled opponent could make her the favorite on paper. If the opponent counters with sustained pace or early pressure, the match could hinge on who seizes the early breaks of serve.
Uncertainties remain limited to match-to-match form; specifics about the final’s start time and other scheduling details were not provided here. Pegula’s path to the trophy will now be decided in the title match after this resilient semifinal performance at the dubai open.
