Jessica Pegula couldn’t have scripted a better start to 2026. The American capped off a red-hot stretch by defeating Elina Svitolina in straight sets to lift the Dubai Tennis Championships trophy, and she’s calling it the perfect early birthday gift.

The fourth seed delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-4 win over the Ukrainian seventh seed to clinch her 10th career WTA title and fourth at the WTA 1000 level. With her 32nd birthday arriving on February 24, Pegula didn’t hide her delight. “It’s a great birthday present for me. I get to celebrate by flying back home in a few hours,” Pegula said after the match. “Super happy to go home with the trophy. It was a great week.”

Coming into Dubai, Pegula had already reached the semifinals at the Brisbane International and the Australian Open to begin the season. In fact, she had made seven consecutive semifinals on Tour over the past six months - a streak that left her wanting just a bit more. “I can't ask for much more. The last six months I've been playing some really good tennis,” she said. “I made seven consecutive semi-finals, and I was like, ‘You know what, a title would be nice; maybe it will happen this week,' and it did.” Her 2026 record now stands at an impressive 13-2, including back-to-back Top 10 wins en route to the title.

Talking about the duel, Elina Svitolina entered the final fresh off a grueling three-hour battle against Coco Gauff, and Pegula wasted no time taking control. The American raced to an early double break in the opening set, dictating play with deep, flat groundstrokes that kept Svitolina pinned behind the baseline.

Although the two-time Dubai champion (2017, 2018) attempted to regroup in the second set, Pegula’s precision proved decisive. Svitolina saved one championship point on serve, but Pegula closed the match in the following game with a clean ace down the T. With the win, Pegula became the third American woman to triumph in Dubai after Lindsay Davenport and Venus Williams.

Seven of Pegula’s 10 career titles, including all four of her WTA 1000 crowns, have come on hard courts. She now joins Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka Radwanska, and Victoria Azarenka as the only players to win their first four WTA 1000 titles exclusively on hard courts since the format was introduced in 2009.

Speaking to the WTA after her victory, Pegula explained why the surface suits her game so well.

“I take the ball very early. Hard court, I like the footing on hard. I like that there’s no bad bounces, things that can go wrong,” she said.

“There’s a very true bounce, so I can get into a good rhythm pretty easily. I hit pretty hard, deep, and flat, so I think my ball kind of skids through the court. When I can find my rhythm on a hard court, that’s when I start playing my best tennis. I think tonight, even last night, I found it at the end and was able to carry it into today.”

By taking the ball early, redirecting pace, and flattening out her forehand, Pegula consistently rushed Svitolina and controlled the tempo of rallies. Ten titles, four at the WTA 1000 level, and another statement performance against elite competition - if this is Pegula’s birthday present to herself, the rest of the Tour has officially been put on notice.

What did Elina Svitolina say about Jessica Pegula’s incredible performance in the final?

Jessica Pegula’s dominance in Dubai didn’t just earn her a milestone title - it also drew respect from the woman standing across the net. After witnessing a defeat in straight sets in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships, Elina Svitolina had nothing but praise for the American’s level.

“It was a tough match today. Congrats, Jess, for this wonderful week for you and your team,” Svitolina said. “For me personally, it was a great week. I had lots of great battles. Today, unfortunately, a little bit short. But still very, very happy to play here good tennis. I always love to play here. Very good feeling.”

Coming off a grueling three-hour semifinal win, Svitolina admitted it wasn’t her day, but she acknowledged Pegula’s sharpness and control from the outset. With the win, Jessica Pegula became the second-oldest women’s singles champion in Dubai history at 31 years and 356 days - younger only than Venus Williams, who lifted the trophy in 2014 at 33.

It was also the second time in her career that Pegula defeated four Top 20 players at a single event, previously achieving the feat at the 2023 WTA Finals against Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, Maria Sakkari, and Coco Gauff. Her run reinforced what many in tennis have been saying for months - Pegula is operating at a career-high level.

Renowned coach Rick Macci, who played a key role in developing Serena and Venus Williams, applauded Pegula’s mindset and professionalism. “Jessica Pegula loves the competition and is all about the competition. Great work ethic, great attitude, [and] still improving at age 32,” Macci wrote on X. “Unreal role model for a billion reasons for every junior with wealthy parents.”

He didn’t stop there. When asked whether Pegula can win a Grand Slam, Macci responded emphatically: “100 percent. She can beat anybody anytime, anywhere… and will collect a major real soon.”

Despite the Dubai triumph marking her 10th career title, Pegula remains focused on the bigger picture. Speaking to the WTA Tour, she emphasized the importance of weeks like this in building belief. “I think matches like this week really help. Building confidence on how I need to play and things I still want to get better and improve,” Pegula said. Her approach remains patient and process-driven.

But while many would savor a WTA 1000 triumph, Jessica Pegula has already shifted gears. The World No. 5 heads to Texas to defend her title at the ATX Open, where she opens against Rebecca Sramkova - a familiar opponent she previously defeated on clay back in 2015.

Pegula has now reached at least the semifinals of every tournament she’s played since last year’s US Open. She credits experience and consistency for that sustained run. Can she now keep her winning run intact in Texas as well? Share your thoughts in the comment box.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

Know more