Dubai, 21 February (H.S.): Ukraine's Elina Svitolina advanced to the women's singles final of the Dubai Championship 2026 on Friday night by defeating America's Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-7(13), 6-4 in a gripping semifinal that lasted nearly three hours. She will now face compatriot Jessica Pegula in the title clash.

Svitolina maintained her recent dominance over world number four Gauff, securing her second consecutive victory following a straight-sets win in the Australian Open quarterfinals last month. In the first set, the two-time Grand Slam champion Gauff struggled with double faults, allowing Svitolina to capitalize and claim it 6-4.

Gauff mounted a fierce comeback in the second, showcasing resilient play to force a tiebreak, where she saved four match points before prevailing 15-13, electrifying the crowd and leveling the match.

The third set proved intensely close, with the ninth game extending to multiple deuces in a pivotal exchange. Svitolina held her nerve to forge a 5-4 lead and sealed the victory with a service hold. Post-match, she reflected, After such a tough battle, I cannot put my emotions into words. I played every point like there was no tomorrow. Reaching the final again is incredibly special. Coco is a huge fighter, and I expected her comeback.

In the other semifinal, Jessica Pegula overcame fellow American Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 to book her final spot. Tennis enthusiasts anticipate a thrilling showdown between Svitolina and Pegula for the championship title.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar