Svitolina edges Gauff to set up Pegula final in DubaiUkraine's Elina Svitolina hits a return against US' Coco Gauff during their women’s singles semi-final match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis tournament in Dubai on February 20, 2026. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Elina Svitolina reached her first WTA 1000 final since 2018 with a marathon 6-4, 6-7 (13/15), 6-4 victory over third-seeded American Coco Gauff at the Dubai Championships on Friday (Saturday, Manila time). Earlier on centre court, Pegula maintained her perfect record against Amanda Anisimova and triumphed 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American battle to reach her first final in Dubai. Gauff broke early in the final set, but Svitolina pegged her back. Pegula swung the momentum her way and drew first blood in the final set, opening up a 4-1 gap with an inch-perfect lob.

Source: Philippine Star February 21, 2026 09:52 UTC