Jessica Pegula staged a gutsy comeback to defeat Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the WTA Dubai semifinals on February 20, 2026. After dropping the opening set in just 28 minutes, Pegula turned the match around by dominating on first serve, winning 66% of those points compared to Anisimova’s 59%, ultimately edging the total points count 93-91.
The match turned decisively in the second set when Pegula began neutralizing Anisimova’s aggressive baseline game. Despite Anisimova’s seven aces to Pegula’s two, the American veteran’s consistency on serve became the difference-maker. Pegula converted four of eleven break point opportunities while weathering Anisimova’s early barrage, which had produced a dominant first set.
In the final set, Pegula’s experience showed as she pulled away from 3-3, winning the final three games. The match was extraordinarily tight — just two total points separated the players — but Pegula’s ability to raise her level in the critical moments secured her 10th career WTA singles title and a spot in the Dubai final.
Key Takeaways
- Pegula’s first serve proved decisive, as she won 66% of points on first delivery compared to Anisimova’s 59%, despite serving a lower first-serve percentage (67% vs 73%).
- The match came down to a razor-thin margin, with Pegula winning just two more total points than Anisimova (93-91) across three sets.
- Anisimova’s seven aces couldn’t compensate for her inability to consistently hold serve in the final two sets, converting only four of nine break points.
- After losing the first set 1-6, Pegula’s resilience was on full display as she won 12 of the final 19 games to complete the comeback victory.
Player Analysis
Jessica Pegula
Pegula’s victory showcased the mental fortitude that has defined her career. After a disastrous opening set, she recalibrated her tactics and began dictating play on her first serve, where her 66% points won rate proved superior to Anisimova’s. Her ability to convert four of eleven break points — while facing constant pressure from Anisimova’s power game — demonstrated championship-level composure. The two-point margin of victory reveals just how fine the margins were, but Pegula’s experience in tight situations made the difference when it mattered most.
Amanda Anisimova
Anisimova’s performance was a tale of two matches. Her first set was scintillating, overwhelming Pegula with aggressive baseline hitting and seven aces that kept the veteran off balance. She won 73% of her first serves and generated nine break point opportunities throughout the match. However, her inability to sustain that level — particularly on first serve points won (59%) — allowed Pegula back into the contest. With just two points separating the players at match’s end, Anisimova will rue missed opportunities in the latter stages, especially after building such a commanding early advantage.
Match Statistics
| J. Pegula | Stat | A. Anisimova |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Aces | 7 |
| 3 | Double Faults | 4 |
| 67% | 1st Serve % | 73% |
| 66% | 1st Serve Points Won | 59% |
| 43% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 46% |
| 4/11 | Break Points Won | 4/9 |
| 93 | Total Points Won | 91 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Jessica Pegula vs Amanda Anisimova at WTA Dubai 2026?
Jessica Pegula defeated Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals of the WTA Dubai tournament on February 20, 2026.
How many aces did Amanda Anisimova hit against Jessica Pegula in Dubai?
Amanda Anisimova hit seven aces compared to Jessica Pegula’s two in their three-set semifinal encounter.
Who won the WTA Dubai 2026 semifinal between Pegula and Anisimova?
Jessica Pegula won the semifinal after rallying from a set down, winning 93 total points to Anisimova’s 91 in an exceptionally tight match.
What was Jessica Pegula’s first serve winning percentage against Anisimova?
Jessica Pegula won 66% of her first serve points against Amanda Anisimova, which proved to be the decisive statistic in her comeback victory.
What’s Next
Pegula advances to the WTA Dubai final, where she’ll seek her 11th career title. The comeback victory will give her momentum heading into the championship match, having navigated one of the tour’s most dangerous floaters in Anisimova. For Anisimova, this semifinal exit marks another near-miss in her return to form, though her performance suggests she’s trending back toward the level that earned her four career titles.
Head-to-head history: A. Anisimova vs J. Pegula.
