Jessica Pegula defeats Elina Svitolina to win the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on February 21, 2026.

World No. 5 Jessica Pegula claimed the singles crown at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday night (February 21), defeating Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. The victory inside the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium made Pegula the first American to win the tournament since Venus Williams lifted her third Dubai title in 2014. Pegula, who turns 32 on Tuesday (February 24), described the triumph as an early birthday gift. “Yeah, it’s a great birthday present for me,” she said. “I get to celebrate by flying back home in a few hours, but I’m just super happy to go home with a trophy. It was a great week.” The American secured her 10th WTA career title in 73 minutes, racing to a 4-1 lead in the opening set after breaking serve three times. Svitolina, a two-time Dubai champion in 2017 and 2018, had battled through a three-hour semifinal win over Coco Gauff less than 24 hours earlier. “I had a great match yesterday,” Svitolina said. “I was very happy with the way I could win that match, so I want to look on this tournament with lots of positives, take only good things. For me, that’s the priority. I played great matches, beat good players. Of course, in a final, it was tough, but Jess is so consistent — she’s a great player and really played great tennis. It is how it is. I’m still happy.” Pegula acknowledged the physical toll of Svitolina’s semifinal. “I think I probably felt a little bit better than did. Her match last night with Coco was insane — a super high level. I was watching: Two of the best, if not the best, competitors we have on Tour. They put on a show and maybe it benefited me a little bit that I got to be done a little bit earlier.” The win marked Pegula’s first WTA title outside North America. “Today is my first title outside North America, which is kind of cool,” she said. “It proves I can play overseas, which is nice… just finally getting over that hurdle is special.” PIA/MFD/Expat Media
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