Jessica Pegula says what she finds ‘crazy’ about American tennis after winning the Dubai title

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Jessica Pegula defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-4 to win the Dubai Tennis Championships.

In doing so, she became the first American woman to win a WTA singles title in 2026.

An impressive achievement given the strength of American tennis right now.

During her latest post-match press conference, Pegula commented on the ‘depth’ of American quality in the women’s game.

Jessica Pegula says the depth in American tennis is ‘crazy’ and names three players

“Yeah, our depth in the U.S. is pretty crazy right now,” she said.

“I feel like every time I go deep, there are multiple Americans that are there, especially now that we have Coco [Gauff] and Amanda [Anisimova] doing so well. Yeah, it’s been incredible.”

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Pegula explained how seeing her fellow Americans succeed on the WTA Tour motivates her.

“I’m glad that I’ve been able to be a part of this kind of era of all these girls doing really well in the States,” she said.

“I know it’s definitely motivated me to see them do well.

“I think when you grow up with people, see them all the time, you’re practicing, you’ve seen them in juniors, you see them have good results, it motivates you that you can do the same thing.

“I think we’ve really kind of pushed each other in that way to keep improving to see that we can accomplish all these things.

“Yeah, it’s amazing. It’s an honor to be a part of this amazing group.”

The 31-year-old also took a moment to recognise the talented group of young Americans coming through the ranks.

“Again, there’s a lot of young ones like Iva [Jovic] that are coming up, which I’m way older than, which is really depressing,” said Pegula.

Iva Jovic – Career stats

• WTA Ranking – 20th
• WTA Titles – 1
• Best Grand Slam result – QF 2026 Australian Open
• Top-10 wins – 1

“I’m glad I’m able to inspire and, yeah, show that next generation that’s coming up.

“We have a lot of really young girls, too. Yeah, it’s just been awesome.

“It’s an honor that I’ve been able to be one of the top ones representing my country at the BJK [Billie Jean King] Cup and the Olympics, as well.

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“Be hopefully somewhat of a role model for the next crop that’s coming up.”

However, for all the American success on tour, Pegula’s win was the first by an American in Dubai for over a decade.

Jessica Pegula ends American drought in Dubai

Defeating Svitolina in the 2026 final, Pegula became the first American winner in Dubai since Venus Williams in 2014.

Dubai Tennis Championship winners: 2014-2026

The American men haven’t had much luck in Dubai, either.

Andy Roddick was the last American man to win the Dubai Tennis Championships, defeating Feliciano Lopez in the 2008 final.

The 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships men’s singles event is right around the corner, although it’s unlikely we will see an American double in the UAE.

Just one American man, Jenson Brooksby, will compete in the main draw.

Only time will tell if Brooksby can upset the odds and follow in Pegula’s footsteps to take the title.

The men’s tournament begins on Monday, February 23.

Pegula, on the other hand, will now travel back home for the ATX Open, which starts on the same day.