Pegula rallies from 6-1, 3-1 down to reach Dubai Open final

Jessica Pegula came from a set and a break down to defeat Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a semifinal that lasted 2 hours and 2 minutes, advancing to the dubai open final. The victory extended Pegula's head-to-head advantage over Anisimova to 5-0 and kept her on course for a first Dubai title.

Dubai Open final opponent set

Pegula will face No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina in the championship match. Pegula leads that head-to-head 5-3 overall, including a 5-2 edge on outdoor hard courts. The matchup pairs Pegula's recent winning run against Svitolina's form in the draw, with the final presenting Pegula an opportunity to add another title at this level.

How Pegula turned the match

After losing the first set 1-6 and falling 3-1 behind in the second, Pegula shifted tactics and gradually wrested control. Defensive lobs and disruptive slices began to draw errors and slow Anisimova's timing; Pegula levelled the second set at 4-4 and then carried momentum into the decider. From 4-3 down in the third, Pegula won seven of eight games to build a decisive lead and close out the match.

On-court comments reflected the match's incremental nature rather than a single turning point. Pegula described needing to rely on movement and persistence, noting that she focused on staying in points and converting break opportunities when they arose. She also pointed to a physical and mental dip by her opponent late in the match.

Career milestones and outlook

The win sends Pegula into her 21st career final and her 10th at the 1000 level or above. She enters the match with multiple high-level titles on her resume: three 1000-level championships and several runner-up finishes at comparable events, plus appearances in year-end and Grand Slam finals. That track record provides concrete indicators of her experience on big stages heading into the dubai open title match.

Looking ahead, the observable indicators for the final are Pegula's head-to-head edges and recent ability to prevail in three-set matches; three of her five wins over Anisimova have required three sets. If Pegula reproduces the same defensive adjustments and physical resilience that carried her through this semifinal, those factors will shape expectations for the outcome.

• Key takeaways: Pegula won 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in 2: 02; now 5-0 vs Anisimova; final awaits Svitolina.