Dubai Tennis: Anisimova's Comeback, Gauff's Domination in Dubai & Pegula Shine in Quarters
Amanda Anisimova rallies past Mirra Andreeva in Dubai quarters. Jessica Pegula advances to 7th consecutive Tour-level semi-final with win over Clara Tauson. Coco Gauff dominates Alexandra Eala 6-0, 6-2 in Dubai quarterfinals.
“It was such a tough battle, and I thought we played incredible tennis...”
Amanda Anisimova pulled off a stunning comeback against Mirra Andreeva, defeating the defending Dubai champion 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(4) in the quarterfinals. The American, seeded second, trailed by a set and a break before mounting a thrilling rally to secure the win in 2 hours and 38 minutes.
Anisimova showed remarkable resilience, overcoming Andreeva's strong start to take the match. After the game, Anisimova was emotional, saying she was “almost in tears” seeing Andreeva's reaction to the loss. “It was such a tough battle, and I thought we played incredible tennis,” Anisimova said.
Mirra Andreeva (7 rank WTA) vs Amanda Anisimova (5 rank WTA)
— Alex Vent. (@AlesInform) February 19, 2026
Let's continue
Andreeva - 49% and Anisimova - 52%.
- Amanda is in good form and has had more rest compared to her opponent. Andreeva has participated in every tournament.
- Anisimova is currently one of the… pic.twitter.com/ea4aBcR99g
Anisimova's through to the semi-finals of the WTA 1000 event for the fourth time. The American's emotional win sets up a clash with fellow US player Jessica Pegula.
“I was almost in tears there at the end,” Anisimova said, visibly moved by her opponent's struggle. “It made me emotional seeing her like that. I feel we both won today.” Pegula earlier beat Clara Tauson 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.
Andreeva was serving for the win at 6-5, but Anisimova forced a tiebreak. The American stepped up, taking the breaker to secure the win.
Anisimova's sportsmanship shone through – she hugged a tearful Andreeva and praised her opponent, saying she was “amazing.”
Coco Gauff Dominates Alexandra Eala 6-0, 6-2
Coco Gauff made it three Americans in the semi-finals with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 win over Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala. Gauff took the first nine games of the match, showcasing her powerful play, before Eala finally got on the board.
Gauff's performance was impressive, with the American winning 10 straight games from the get-go and only allowing Eala to take two games in the second set. Eala's unforced errors, totaling 33, contributed to Gauff's straightforward victory.
Coco Gauff overcame her serving struggles, hitting her eighth double fault of the match, but quickly regained momentum to break Alexandra Eala's serve. That turned out to be Eala's last chance, as Gauff sealed the win in just 67 minutes, securing her spot in the Dubai semi-finals.
Gauff's dominant performance saw her take the match 6-0, 6-2, showcasing her resilience despite committing 16 double faults in her previous round. Her next opponent will be the winner of Elina Svitolina and Antonia Ruzic.
Gauff loved the electric atmosphere created by Eala's fans. “I think tennis needs more of this,” she said, praising the sold-out crowd's energy.
“It's great just to see a nation so proud of someone, especially a nation that's pretty under-represented in this sport. I think it's pretty cool to see.
“I also liked, even at 6-0, 4-1 or 4-0, she was smiling. I think that's something that you can't buy. I see why people want to root for her. I root for her when I'm not playing her, of course.”
Coco Gauff had kind words for Alex Eala and her fans after beating her in Dubai:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 19, 2026
“Thank you guys for coming out here. I know you were mostly supporting Alex but I have to say, it’s great to be on a crowded court. I’ve played this tournament for many years and to see the stadium… pic.twitter.com/ULVMS88JWp
Coco Gauff is set to face either two-time Dubai champion Elina Svitolina or Croatian lucky loser Antonia Ruzic in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula has advanced to her seventh consecutive Tour-level semi-final, dating back to the 2025 US Open, with a hard-fought three-set win against last year's runner-up Clara Tauson.
“I think I've been serving a lot better. Physically, been feeling good,” Pegula said.
“I've been working on my game a lot. I think I've become a better player over the last six months.”
Pegula and Tauson were locked in a tight match, splitting the first two sets. The American broke in the seventh game to gain the upper hand, ultimately securing the win.
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