Elina Svitolina produced a stunning performance to overcome world number four Coco Gauff and book her place in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The Ukrainian star edged a gripping semifinal contest 6-4, 6-7 (13-15), 6-4 in a marathon battle lasting three hours and three minutes. Despite missing four match points in a dramatic second-set tie-break, Svitolina regained composure to clinch the deciding set.
The victory sends the 31-year-old into her first Dubai final since winning back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. Reflecting on her performance, Svitolina said she played with a fearless mindset, putting in maximum effort on every point.
Earlier, Jessica Pegula secured her spot in the final after defeating fellow American Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. Pegula recovered from a slow start and an early break in the second set to turn the match around.
Meanwhile, at the Qatar Open, world number one Carlos Alcaraz maintained his unbeaten run in 2026. The Spaniard defeated Andrey Rublev 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 to advance to the final. Alcaraz, who already claimed the Australian Open this year, recorded his 11th consecutive win of the season.
He will face Arthur Fils in the final after the Frenchman beat Jakub Mensik in straight sets. Mensik had earlier stunned world number two Jannik Sinner.
In other news, seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has received a wildcard entry into Indian Wells. The 45-year-old will compete in both singles and doubles as she returns to California.
