Jessica Pegula defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-4, to win the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships.
The American delivered an emphatic display to pick up her first title of the season.
Pegula eased into a one-set lead and never let up the pressure as she became the first player to defeat Svitolina in a WTA 1000 final.
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She was understandably delighted with the win, picking up the 10th trophy of her career, three days before her 32nd birthday.
Jessica Pegula ‘couldn’t ask for a better birthday present’ as she wins title in Dubai
Pegula was asked for her thoughts minutes after converting championship point.
“I couldn’t ask for a better birthday present,” she said.
“Wow, just super proud of myself. It was a great match, I had to play a really high level, luckily I was able to do that the whole time, but yeah, it was awesome.”
She explained how important it was to start well in the final.
“Yeah, I feel like when you can get off to a quick start, that always eases the nerves a little bit, and you can kind of feel your way through the match,” said Pegula.
Jessica Pegula vs Elina Svitolina – Match stats
| Stats | Jessica Pegula | Elina Svitolina |
| Aces | 3 | 2 |
| Double faults | 2 | 5 |
| 1st Serve % | 69% | 59% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 79% | 64% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 69% | 41% |
| Break points | 4/11 | 1/3 |
| Winners | 20 | 11 |
| Unforced errors | 13 | 18 |
“It doesn’t always mean much, but I would definitely take getting out to an early lead, if possible.”
Pegula was then asked what she was most proud of this week.
“Mentally, I think, especially the match yesterday, I was down a set and 3-1, and I was able to fight back,” she said.
“Then today, it allowed me to play really free, I think mentally.
“But also, I have worked on a lot of things in my game. And I don’t think I was going to get through some of those matches unless I did that.
“I went for that and trusted the things I’ve been working on, and it paid off.”
Finally, Pegula reflected on what has been a near-perfect start to her 2026 season.
“Yeah, I can’t ask for much more,” she admitted.
“Honestly, the last six months I’ve been playing some really good tennis; I made seven, I think, consecutive semifinals.
Jessica Pegula’s last seven WTA tournaments
- 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships – CHAMPION
- 2026 Australian Open – Lost in SF
- 2026 Brisbane International – Lost in SF
- 2025 WTA Finals – Lost in SF
- 2025 Wuhan Open – Lost in F
- 2025 China Open – Lost in SF
- 2025 US Open – Lost in SF
“I was like, you know what, a title would be nice, maybe it will happen this week, and it did.”
Jessica Pegula’s post-match speech in full
Pegula was given the microphone again, for her post-match speech, a few minutes later.
“It’s a great birthday present for me, I get to celebrate by flying home in a few hours,” she said.
“So I don’t know, we’ll see. Just super happy to go home with the trophy, it was a great week.”
She took a moment to thank the fans, who were in fine voice throughout the week in Dubai.
“Thank you guys so much for coming out to support us,” said Pegula.
“It was a great atmosphere, especially the last two nights.
“Not only supporting me but all the girls here that compete, fight so hard every single day, all week.
“I know that we really appreciate it. What is most fun for us is being able to play in front of the fans.”
Pegula was then asked whether she plans on returning to Dubai for the 2027 tournament.
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“Yeah, I think so,” she said.
The 31-year-old won’t want to think about the 2027 Dubai Tennis Championships just yet, though.
She’ll want to enjoy this win for at least a couple of hours before her attentions turn to the ATX Open.
The 2026 ATX Open begins on Monday, February 23.
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