Jessica Pegula was recently in action for her semifinals clash at the Dubai Open, where she outdid Amanda Anisimova in an incredible battle. After her match, the American refused to talk about her upcoming birthday, but revealed exactly what she told her coach right before reaching the finals of the WTA 1000 event.
Pegula and Anisimova’s clash got off to a strong start for the latter. The two-time Grand Slam finalist clinched the first set 6-1 and was leading the second set 3-1, when Pegula dug in and found her rhythm. The fourth seed slowly began to claw her way back into the match, eventually winning the second set 6-4, before clinching the third 6-3.
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After her match, Jessica Pegula was asked if winning the Dubai Open would make for a good birthday present. In response, the American, who will turn 32 on February 24, said,
“It would be an amazing birthday present. I am not going to mention how old I am turning, but it’s going to be too old to where I don’t want to talk about it.”
In a separate part of her interview, Pegula revealed what she told her coach right before she entered the finals, sharing,
“At the start of the third, it was 1-1, and I said to my coach I’m just happy I’m even here right now.”
For Jessica Pegula, her triumph over Amanda Anisimova keeps alive her dominant winning record against her compatriot, propelling her to a 5-0 lead in their head-to-head record.
Jessica Pegula reflects on her win over Amanda Anisimova and her upcoming Dubai Open finals
Jessica Pegula’s comeback against Amanda Anisimova was certainly one for the ages. After her match, the fourth seed reflected on her win and heaped praise on her fellow American, saying,
“She was playing some incredible tennis. I just came out a little slow, and when you come out slow against Amanda, she can wipe you off the court. I had some break points in the first set, even though I didn’t take any, and I knew I could get some back. That was really all I was focusing on.”
Pegula went on to discuss her goal for her upcoming finals, adding,
“I am really excited to be in my first final here. I came here with the intention of thinking I can play well in these conditions and go deep, so I’m happy to get a shot at the title tomorrow.”
Jessica Pegula will take on Elina Svitolina in the finals of the Dubai Open on Saturday, February 21. The duo have previously played each other eight times before, with Pegula having won five of these encounters.
Edited by Riddhi Acharya