Elina Svitolina battles past Gauff to reach Dubai Final
Elina Svitolina defeated Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-7(13), 6-4 in a gripping semifinal at the Dubai Tennis Championships, to advance to her first WTA 1000 final in eight years.
Svitolina was forced to save multiple break points at 4–4 in the deciding set before holding firm and eventually closing out the victory. Thus win marks her second win over Gauff this season and gives her a 3–2 lead in their head-to-head series.
This will be Svitolina’s 24th WTA final, her sixth at the WTA 1000 level, and her third in Dubai, the first since 2018. It is also her first WTA 1000 final since becoming a mother. With the win, she secured her 46th career victory over a Top 10 opponent and extended her record as the player with the most match wins in Dubai history (24).
After the match, Svitolina reflected on the intensity of the contest.
“I’m speechless after that fight. I was really trying to put myself out there and was playing like there is no tomorrow. Trying to put all the effort. Thank you so much for your support. Really really special to be again in the final here after a few years and have another chance to lift that beautiful trophy.”
She also acknowledged the challenge posed by Gauff.
“Coco is such a big fighter. I was expecting that she would come back in the match. She won so many big battles, big tournaments. I had to keep fighting, keep pushing. I’m very pleased with the fight and with the win today.”
Svitolina will face Jessica Pegula in the final. Pegula leads their head-to-head 5–3, though Svitolina has won two of their last three meetings, including their most recent encounter in Indian Wells last season.
