DUBAI,— Jessica Pegula captured the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday, defeating Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-4, marking the first time the Ukrainian lost in a WTA 1000 final.
Pegula, who will celebrate her 32nd birthday on Tuesday, became the second-oldest woman to win the Dubai title.
Venus Williams, another American, remains the oldest champion at 33, when she won in 2014.
“Winning here is a great birthday gift. I’ll be heading home in a few hours, and I’m thrilled to take the trophy with me. It’s been an excellent week,” Pegula said, ending a streak of three consecutive losses in WTA 1000 finals.
From the start, Pegula set the tone. She surged to a 3-0 lead in the opening set, keeping Svitolina pinned near the baseline.
Pegula broke serve with a precise cross-court backhand and held her own serve with a backhand slice, limiting Svitolina’s opportunities.
Svitolina tried to fight back, but Pegula’s play proved too strong. Saving two break points, she extended her lead to 5-1.
The Ukrainian, who had won all four of her prior WTA 1000 finals, sent a forehand into the net, allowing Pegula to close the first set.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Pegula earned a critical break in the fifth game and finished the match with an ace.
The victory represents Pegula’s 10th career WTA title.
“Speechless after that fight. I was really giving it everything, playing like there’s no tomorrow,” Pegula said.
(With files from Reuters)
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