Jessica Pegula discloses what she told her coach at the start of the third set vs Amanda Anisimova

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Jessica Pegula defeated Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, in the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

In a battle of two top Americans, it was Anisimova who started strongest, taking a commanding 6-1 lead in the semifinals.

But Pegula refused to give in and fought back to win in three, securing her place in the final.

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There, she will play either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina.

After the match, Pegula revealed what she told her coach, Mark Knowles, at the beginning of the third set.

Jessica Pegula told Mark Knowles she was just happy to be playing a third set

During her post-match interview, Pegula reflected on the match and her slow start.

“At the start of the third, it was 1-1, and I said to my coach I’m just happy I’m even here right now,” she admitted.

“She was playing some incredible tennis. I just came out a little slow, and when you come out slow against Amanda [Anisimova], she can wipe you off the court.

“Honestly, I’m not really sure [what I did to turn it around]. I held on to my serve in the second set. I kept telling myself that.

“I had some break points in the first set, even though I didn’t take any, and I knew I could get some back. That was really all I was focusing on.

Jessica Pegula vs Amanda Anisimova – Match stats

The world number five was then asked about the matchup with Anisimova, having extended her head-to-head lead to 5-0.

“It’s a really tough match-up. It’s not like they are easy match-ups,” said Pegula.

“But I do think I am able to take some time away from her.

“I think I am able to hit a flat ball and not let her set up and go for her big shots, which is what she is really good at.

“I try to utilise that as much as I can and then mix with some variety.

Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova’s head-to-head record

“We tried to change things up, we played a lot of cat and mouse points, and they mostly went my way, so that was good.”

The interviewer suggested winning the title would be the perfect birthday present for Pegula, who turns 32 on Tuesday.

“It would be an amazing birthday present,” said Pegula.

“I am not going to mention how old I am turning, but it’s going to be too old to where I don’t want to talk about it.

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“I am really excited to be in my first final here.

“I came here with the intention of thinking I can play well in these conditions and go deep, so I’m happy to get a shot at the title tomorrow.”

She will play her first Dubai final on Saturday, but which player, Gauff or Svitolina, would she rather meet?

Jessica Pegula’s records against Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina

Pegula has a winning head-to-head record against both players she could face in the final.

• Jessica Pegula (5-3) Elina Svitolina
• Jessica Pegula (5-3) Coco Gauff

Looking at those numbers, she shouldn’t be too concerned about who wins the second semifinal.

What is more likely to worry Pegula is her record in ‘big’ finals.

The American is 3-4 in WTA 1000 finals, 0-1 in WTA Finals finals, and 0-1 in Grand Slam finals.

She’ll walk on court for Saturday’s final in Dubai having lost her previous four ‘big’ finals on tour.

Jessica Pegula’s ‘big’ final losing streak

Only time will tell if she can end that streak and pick up a big win in the Middle East.

Pegula will play Svitolina or Gauff in the Dubai Tennis Championships final on Saturday, February 21.