Pegula fights back to sink Anisimova and reach Dubai final / Photo: Ryan Lim - AFP
Pegula fights back to sink Anisimova and reach Dubai final
Jessica Pegula maintained her perfect record against Amanda Anisimova and triumphed 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American battle to reach the final of the Dubai Championships on Friday.
In a rematch of their recent Australian Open quarter-final, Pegula fought back from a set and a break down to claim her fifth victory in as many meetings with Anisimova.
The fourth-seeded Pegula advanced to her eighth WTA 1000 final, and her first in Dubai, where she awaits American third seed Coco Gauff or Ukrainian seventh seed Elina Svitolina.
Pegula made it to at least the semi-finals in each of her last seven tournaments – dating back to the 2025 US Open – and has now reached the 21st final of her career.
"At the start of the third it was 1-all and I looked to my coach and said, 'I'm just happy to still be here right now,'" said Pegula, who turns 32 on Monday.
"That would be an amazing birthday present (if I won the title). I'm not going to mention how old I'm turning. I came here with the intention thinking I could play well in these conditions and I'm giving myself a shot at winning the title tomorrow."
In just the second all-American semi-final in tournament history, Anisimova enjoyed the better start, leaping to a 3-0 advantage and she extended her lead to scoop the opening set in under 30 minutes.
Anisimova broke early in the second but Pegula finally started to find her game and after a slew of service breaks, it was the fourth seed who closed out the set to level the contest and force a decider.
Pegula swung the momentum her way and drew first blood in the final set, opening up a 4-1 gap with an inch-perfect lob. It was all she needed to complete her two-hour victory and remain undefeated against Anisimova.
R.Hamrock--IP
