Anisimova Dethrones Dubai Champion Andreeva to Set Up All-American SF vs. Pegula

By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, February 19, 2026
Photo credit: Fred Lee/Getty

Amanda Anismova turned tiebreaker into heartbreaker for Mirra Andreeva.

Anisimova squandered a 5-3 third-set lead and a match point, then amped up the pace in the tiebreaker dethroning defending Dubai champion Andreeva 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(4) to battle into the Dubai semifinals.

The second-seeded Anisimova beat Andreeva for the second time in as many meetings in a match that climaxed with an emotional end for both women.

A gutted Andreeva plopped down in her court-side seat, buried her face in her towel and appeared to sob.

“It was almost me in tears there at the end,” said Anisimova of seeing Andreeva in tears afterward. “It was such a tough battle, Mirra fought so hard today, she’s playing so well and was fighting like a champion on court.

“I feel like these types of matches, it’s always tough that someone has lose at the end of the day. But, yeah, I feel like we both played great, and I’m really happy to get through.

Anisimova advanced to her first final four of the season, setting up an all-American semifinal against Jessica Pegula.

“I love playing here in Dubai and I’m really excited for every match,” Anisimova said. “Every point is going to be different, and I really enjoy that challenge.

“I play against Jess tomorrow, so another great fight, and hopefully we’ll have a good match. It’s always exciting against another American, she’s always bringing her best, and I feel like we always have great matches.”

World No. 5 Pegula pumped eight aces in a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 victory over 12th-seeded Clara Tauson.

It is Pegula’s eighth straight semifinal appearance dating back to the 2025 US Open where she lost to world No. 1 and eventual-champion Aryna Sabalenka, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6.

“I’m starting to feel more like myself again after a tough stretch earlier in the season,” said Pegula. “I’ve been serving better and moving well physically, and the work with my coaches have helped me get back to the roots of my game.”

Chasing her 10th career title, Pegula is 4-0 lifetime vs. Anisimova, including a 6-2, 7-6(1) victory in their last meeting in the Australian Open quarterfinals last month.

Today, Wimbledon finalist Anisimova opened a 5-2 second-set lead only to see Andreeva reel off three games in a row to level.

Anisimova answered winning eight of the next nine points to take the second set and force a decider.

Again, Anisimova built a lead going up 5-3 only to see Andreeva fight back and save a match point with the American serving at 40-30.

In the tiebreaker, Anisimova blasted her backhand racing out to a 5-1 lead. Anisimova closed on her fourth match point.