Quick Read
- Jessica Pegula defeated Varvara Gracheva in the second round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
- Pegula, the No. 4 seed, won nine consecutive games after trailing 4-3 in the first set.
- The final score was 6-4, 6-0 in favor of Pegula.
- She advanced to the third round of the WTA 1000 event.
- The tournament has seen other top players in action and some notable withdrawals.
DUBAI (Azat TV) – American tennis star Jessica Pegula, the No. 4 seed, secured her place in the third round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with a commanding victory over qualifier Varvara Gracheva. Pegula demonstrated exceptional resilience and form, winning nine consecutive games to close out the match after initially trailing in the first set, marking a significant step in her pursuit of another deep tournament run.
The match saw Pegula overcome an early deficit, transforming a 4-3 disadvantage in the opening set into a decisive 6-4, 6-0 win. Her ability to shift momentum so dramatically, winning every subsequent game, underscored her status as one of the world’s top players. This dominant performance comes amidst a highly competitive Dubai tournament featuring many of the WTA Tour’s elite athletes.
Pegula’s Dubai Performance Highlights
Jessica Pegula’s victory was characterized by strong serving and effective returning, which ultimately overwhelmed her opponent. Key match statistics from the encounter against Gracheva reveal Pegula’s efficiency: she won 85% of her first service points and saved 80% of break points faced. On the return, Pegula was particularly formidable, winning 48% of first return points and an impressive 71% of second return points, allowing her to break Gracheva’s serve repeatedly.
This performance ensures Pegula continues her campaign at the prestigious Dubai event, where she aims to add another title to her impressive career. Her consistent form and ability to close out matches decisively are hallmarks of a player who has reached the pinnacle of both singles and doubles rankings.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Update
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a WTA 1000 event, has been a hub of activity on Day Three, with several high-profile matches taking place. Alongside Pegula’s victory, other top players like Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff were also in action, commencing their respective campaigns. The tournament has, however, seen some notable withdrawals, including Daria Kasatkina, who pulled out due to a right hip injury, granting Mirra Andreeva a walkover into the third round. Sara Bejlek also withdrew, giving Belinda Bencic a free pass.
Despite these changes to the draw, the tournament continues to feature a strong field, with players like Magda Linette and Clara Tauson also progressing in their matches. The competitive environment in Dubai sets the stage for challenging encounters in the upcoming rounds, with Pegula now firmly in contention.
Jessica Pegula’s ability to recover from a deficit and then dominate her opponent, as seen in her Dubai second-round match, demonstrates the mental fortitude and consistent high-level play that have established her as a perennial top contender on the WTA Tour.