Jessica Pegula is through to the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships after defeating Amanda Anisimova in three sets.
In an all-American affair at the WTA 1000 event, Pegula came back from a set down against Anisimova to emerge victorious 1-6, 6-4, 6-3.
She will play her eighth WTA 1000 final and first in Dubai, where her best previous result is a semifinal finish.
Are you worried about Coco Gauff in 2026?
With her triumph, Pegula has just achieved a feat that only Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova have ever managed.
Jessica Pegula matches Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova
Pegula is now the third player to reach five or more finals at Tier 1 or WTA 1000 tournaments after turning 30 since the format’s inception, according to Opta Ace.
The 31-year-old has made five finals at WTA 1000 events across the last few seasons, reaching the title bout in Wuhan, Miami, Cincinnati, Canada and now Dubai.
Only Williams and Navratilova have tallied more championship match appearances at such events than Pegula after turning 30.
Navratilova made seven, while Williams has the most in the Open Era, with 16 to her name.
Serena Williams would finish 2026 ranked — in the world if she came out of retirement
Fill in the blanks!
Pegula will now have the chance to claim a 10th WTA singles title.
Jessica Pegula extends her winning streak against Amanda Anisimova
As well as making the final at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Pegula kept her undefeated streak against Anisimova alive.
Pegula is now 5-0 against Anisimova, having come out on top in all five of their WTA Tour-level meetings over the years.
Anisimova’s best attempt at beating Pegula came in their second career clash in Charleston during the 2024 season.
There, Anisimova was narrowly defeated by Pegula in a decisive third-set tiebreak.
The two met earlier in the 2026 season at the Australian Open, where Pegula won in straight sets to advance to the semifinals.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
