Pegula Stages Stunning Comeback to Defeat Anisimova and Advance to Dubai Final

No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula achieved a remarkable comeback from a 6-1, 3-1 deficit to defeat No. 2 seed Amanda Anisimova, securing her place in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships with a score of 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. The match lasted 2 hours and 2 minutes.

Pegula’s Perfect Record Against Anisimova

With this victory, Pegula improved her head-to-head record against Anisimova to 5-0. This includes previous wins at the 2020 Western & Southern Open, the 2024 Charleston second round, the 2024 Toronto final, and the recent Australian Open quarterfinals. Notably, three of these encounters have gone to three sets.

At 31 years old, Pegula has now reached her 21st career final on the WTA Tour, marking her 10th final at the 1000 level or above. She has claimed three WTA 1000 titles—Guadalajara 2022, Montreal 2023, and Toronto 2024—and has been a runner-up four times. Additionally, she was a finalist at the 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun and the 2024 US Open.

In the final, Pegula will face No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina. Pegula holds a 5-3 advantage in their head-to-head matchups, including a 5-2 record on outdoor hard courts.

Analyzing the Comeback

Pegula’s ability to analyze her performance is well-known, but even she expressed surprise at her turnaround in this match. She noted that at the start of the third set, she felt fortunate to still be in the contest, acknowledging Anisimova’s strong play. Pegula mentioned that she had started slowly, which allowed Anisimova to dominate early on.

She emphasized the importance of holding her serve in the second set and focused on the break points she had in the first set, despite the score being heavily against her. Pegula’s strategy was to remain focused on regaining momentum.

The comeback was not marked by a single turning point but rather a gradual shift in the match. Key moments included:

• At 6-1, 2-0, Anisimova appeared invincible, holding a break point for a 3-0 lead. However, she failed to capitalize, allowing Pegula to hold serve.
• Anisimova managed to hold for 3-1 despite facing a 0-40 deficit, showcasing her ability to maintain pressure.
• Pegula’s breakthrough came during a service game from Anisimova, filled with errors, allowing Pegula to gain crucial ground.

Although Pegula had not yet fully reversed the score, her tactics began to shift the match dynamics. She started to draw errors from Anisimova with defensive lobs and slices, leveling the score at 4-4. From there, Pegula seized the momentum, winning seven of the next eight games to take a 4-1 lead in the third set.

Physical and Mental Resilience

Pegula remarked on the physical demands of the match, noting the need to use her legs effectively to stay competitive against Anisimova’s powerful shots. She recognized that the match required a physical approach, especially as she gained momentum.

The shift in energy was palpable, with Pegula sensing that Anisimova may have been fatigued towards the end. This change allowed Pegula to capitalize on her opportunities, marking a significant turnaround from Anisimova’s previous day’s performance, where she had also staged a comeback against Mirra Andreeva.

Understanding Head-to-Head Dynamics

When discussing her dominance over Anisimova, Pegula expressed her surprise at her success in their matchups. She acknowledged that their encounters are always challenging and competitive.

Pegula attributed her success to her ability to disrupt Anisimova’s rhythm. She explained that her low, flat shots prevent Anisimova from setting up for her powerful strikes, which is a key aspect of her game. By mixing up her play and engaging in strategic rallies, Pegula has been able to gain the upper hand in their matches.

Despite her perfect record against Anisimova, Pegula remains grounded, recognizing that she must continue to adapt her strategy to maintain her edge. She expressed confidence in her ability to turn matches around, emphasizing the importance of finding her rhythm early in the contest.

As reported by www.wtatennis.com.

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Published on 2026-02-20 12:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk