WTA 1000 Dubai 2/15 - 2/21 2026

[jazzyg]

I hate these stats people throw out as if they are absolute predictors.

Very few players are playing the best they've ever played for the first time at 32, which Pegula is, and let's remember, she already reached a slam final while not playing as well as she is now. She has added slice and off pace to her game when she needs it, and she is coming to the net more.

Having said all that, I agree she would come in second to either Rybakina or Sabalenka (definitely Sabalenka) if they had their A game regardless of how well she played. She would need some good fortune. And I don't think it matters at all how she performs at Indiana Wells or Miami. They're not slams. She's already proven she can be a contender at the US Open. She just has to be healthy and play her best there and see what happens.

[jazzyg]

Yes, Pegula played well, seems to have improved, even, but let us not forget she did not have to beat a Tier 1 player- we must always give due credit to a winner- after all, she didn't decide the draw. But the field was not worthy of a 1000 event. Even Anisimova, good player though she is, could not have been expected to beat Pegula on a fast court..if they meet on a slower court like clay or even IW, I would expect AA to win..

Anisimova made the final of the US Open last year. And she was cleaning Pegula's clock for a set-and-a-half at this tournament, looking totally impossible to beat. I'm actually not a huge fan of her game because when she goes off, she really falters, but you are underrating her potential on any speed of hard court.

[ashkor87]

I can't believe I am saying this ...most people here are underestimating Pegula..both here and at the AO...against Keys too at the AO.

[ptmcmahon]

I haven't combed through this entire thread but where are you seeing "most people" underestimating Pegula? You were the one who are saying Pegula has seemed to improve while pointing out she didn't even beat a Tier 1 player and called her a Tier 2 player and a "gatekeeper."

Others seem to be saying she is playing well without adding a "but" with it.

[ponchi101]

She was a high seed at an important tournament where the three "top" players (I will grant Iga that title still) did not show up or retired.
She herself is a top player; and we know she has made a slam final. But her record against Aryna is 3-9, against Iga is 5-6 (pretty good, actually) and against Elena is 3-4 (pretty good too).
I don't see her doing much at RG. I say she has a good chance at W. And at the USO, she will need a good draw, but it is not impossible (somebody has to take out Aryna).
So, as far as I am concerned, I am only hedging her. She is 32. She lacks weapons. I hope she wins a slam, but I will not hold my breath.