DUBAI, UAE — World No. 5 Jessica Pegula continues her dominant start to the 2026 season, advancing to the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships while simultaneously taking on a transformative leadership role within the sport.
Dubai Semifinals: Pegula vs. Anisimova
On Friday, February 20, 2026, Jessica Pegula is set to face fellow American Amanda Anisimova in a highly anticipated semifinal clash. Pegula reached the final four after a gritty three-set victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the quarterfinals. This win followed dominant performances earlier in the week against Varvara Gracheva (6-4, 6-0) and rising star Iva Jovic (6-4, 6-2).
Pegula holds a commanding 5-1 head-to-head record against Anisimova, including a victory in their most recent encounter at the 2026 Australian Open quarterfinals. The winner of this match will face either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina in the final, potentially setting up an all-American championship match.
Leading the Charge for WTA Reform
Beyond her success on the court, Pegula has been appointed Chair of the newly formed WTA Tour Architecture Council. The 13-person panel is tasked with a comprehensive overhaul of the professional women’s tennis circuit. Key areas of focus include:
- Calendar Reform: Addressing the “crowded” schedule to reduce player burnout and injuries.
- Ranking Points: Reviewing the rules governing how points are distributed across tournaments.
- Participation Requirements: Evaluating the mandatory commitment levels for top-tier players.
The council aims to implement actionable changes as early as the 2027 season. Pegula, the 2024 U.S. Open runner-up, has been a vocal advocate for player welfare, recently supporting Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek in calls for better privacy and scheduling standards on tour.
2026 Season Statistics
Pegula’s form in 2026 has been described by analysts as “unplayable.” Her current season statistics reflect her status as one of the most consistent players in the world:
- 2026 Record: 11 wins, 2 losses
- Current Ranking: No. 5
- Service Games Won: 76.0%
- Return Games Won: 41.6%
- Career Titles: 10 WTA Singles Titles
As she approaches her 32nd birthday on February 24, the Buffalo, New York native remains a central figure in both the competitive landscape and the political future of women’s tennis.