Jessica Pegula is the champion in Dubai, having beaten Elina Svitolina in the final earlier today.
It marked the culmination of a stunning week’s work for the American, who put in a clinical display to give her opponent no chance.
And, despite the relatively one-sided nature of this clash, Svitolina remained positive in the face of such a high-profile defeat.
She had only kind words for Jessica Pegula in her post-match speech too.
Elina Svitolina’s runner-up speech after losing to Jessica Pegula
Svitolina began her runner-up speech by speaking directly to her fellow finalist, noting: “It was a tough match today, but congrats Jess for this wonderful week for you and your team.”
She then took solace from what was an overall positive week, even if it ended with a tough result: “For me, you know, personally, it was a great week. I had lots of great battles and today, unfortunately, a little bit short, but still very, very happy to play here, good tennis, a good tournament. I always loved to play here, so yeah, very, very good feeling.”
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Svitolina concluded by thanking the various parties who made the event possible, adding: “Yeah, thank you so much to everybody who came out to support us every match. Really, really special.
“Thank you for all the sponsors, ball boys, chair umpires, and yeah, it’s always, you know, really special to play here for me and for everybody.
“So yes, you guys make it very special. Thank you.”
Pegula chose to withdraw from the Qatar Open ahead of this event in Dubai. With the trophy now in her hands, it’s fair to say that she likely made the correct call.
Elina Svitolina’s stunning start to 2026 continues
Despite losing in the final, this one result should not detract from what has been another sensational tournament from the Ukrainian.
In fact, it marked her second final of the year thus far, and the third time she has made it to the semi-finals of an event despite only having entered four.
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Svitolina started her year off with the title in Brisbane and transferred that form over to Melbourne, where she was only beaten in the semifinals by Aryna Sabalenka.
The 31-year-old stumbled slightly in Qatar, losing in just the Round of 16, but has bounced back here in Dubai.
It will be really interesting to see whether Svitolina can maintain this remarkably high level heading into Indian Wells, Miami and beyond.
