Pegula breaks title dry spell with Dubai finals win

Jessica Pegula ended a title-less run stretching back to before Wimbledon as she own the WTA Dubai event on Saturday 6-2, 6-4 over Elina Svitolina.

The runner-up, with two past trophies here, was unable to collect her second of the season after Auckland as Pegula dominated in 73 minutes at the Aviation club.

The American winner earned her first honours since winning Bad Homburg last June. she now owns ten titles including four at the elite 1000 level.

She becomes only the third form her nation to win here after Lindsay Davenport and three-time champion Venus Williams.

Pegula ran off early leads in both sets against Svitolina of Ukraine and broker on four of her 11 chances.

She delivered three aces while her opponent was plagued by five double-faults.

Pegula found her post-victory scenario momentarily paused as she had to wait for coach Mark Knowles to get off his phone before the pair could celebrate success.

Svitolina was low on reserves after her three-hour win 24 hours earlier in the semi-finals over Coco Gauff.

Pegula turns 32 on Tuesday and was pleased to be going home with a trophy.

“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.”

Finalist Svitolina emerged optimistic in defeat: “It was a tough match today.

“Congrats Jess for this wonderful week for you and your team. For me personally it was a great week. 

“I had lots of great battles. Today unfortunately, a little bit short.

But still very very happy to play here good tennis. I always love to play here. Very good feeling.”