The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is witnessing a rare American presence in the semifinals, with Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, and Jessica Pegula making their mark in the competition. These three American players, all ranked in the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz Top 10, are set to headline the upcoming semifinals. This occurrence marks a significant moment as it has been 25 years since three players from the same country advanced to the semifinals in Dubai.
The semifinals will feature exciting matchups, starting with No. 2 seed Amanda Anisimova facing off against No. 4 Jessica Pegula, followed by No. 3 Coco Gauff taking on No. 7 Elina Svitolina, a Top 10 player herself. These matches are not unfamiliar, as they are rematches from the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open, which took place less than a month ago.
In the matchup between Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina, Gauff enters the semifinals after an impressive victory over Alexandra Eala. Gauff acknowledged her surprise at reaching the final four in Dubai but emphasized how one match can change everything in tennis. Despite some struggles in earlier matches, Gauff showcased her ability to win even when not playing her best. While her serve remains a work in progress, her defense and serve return have been standout aspects of her game in the tournament.
Elina Svitolina, a two-time Dubai champion, secured her spot in the semifinals with a hard-fought victory over Antonia Ruzic. Svitolina's experience and skill on the court will provide a tough challenge for Gauff, especially considering their recent encounter at the Australian Open. Gauff is looking to learn from that defeat and adjust her approach in the upcoming match.
The other semifinal features Amanda Anisimova against Jessica Pegula, with Pegula holding a 4-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova. Anisimova, known for her sturdy groundstrokes, displayed resilience in her quarterfinal match, coming back from a set down to defeat Mirra Andreeva. Pegula, on the other hand, has been in impressive form, advancing to her seventh straight WTA Tour-level semifinal. The clash between Anisimova and Pegula promises to be a competitive showdown given their past encounters and current form.
With the semifinals set to unfold at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, fans can expect high-quality tennis from these talented American players and their opponents. The upcoming matches hold the key to determining who will emerge victorious and claim the title in this prestigious WTA 1000 event. Stay tuned for more thrilling tennis action as these top players battle it out on the court in Dubai.