Dubai Tennis Championships: Jessica Pegula defeats Elina Svitolina to lift title

DUBAI: Jessica Pegula delivered a clinical performance to hand Elina Svitolina her first defeat in a WTA 1000 final, sealing a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory to win the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday.

Pegula, who turns 32 on Tuesday, became the second-oldest woman to win the tournament after fellow American Venus Williams, who claimed the title in 2014 at the age of 33.

“It’s a great birthday present for me. I get to celebrate by flying back home in a few hours. Super happy to go home with the trophy. It was a great week,” Pegula said after snapping a three-match losing streak in WTA 1000 finals.

The world number five raced into a 3-0 lead in the opening set, pinning Svitolina near the baseline before securing the first break with a crisp backhand cross-court winner. She consolidated with confident serving, including a deft backhand slice to hold.

Svitolina’s bid to respond faltered when Pegula saved two break points to surge 5-1 ahead. The Ukrainian, who had previously won all four of her WTA 1000 finals, netted a forehand as Pegula wrapped up the first set.

Pegula remained composed in the second set, earning a decisive break in the fifth game. She closed out the match with an ace, capturing her 10th career title.

“Speechless after that fight. I was really trying to put myself out there, and I was playing like there is no tomorrow, just trying to put all the effort in,” Pegula said.