Emma Raducanu Defeats Coco Gauff in Three Sets to Win Dubai Tennis Championships Final

Emma Raducanu captured her first WTA title since her breakthrough 2021 US Open triumph on Saturday night in Dubai, defeating world number three Coco Gauff 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 in a captivating final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The 24-year-old British star showed remarkable composure and resilience throughout the two-hour and 34-minute encounter, overcoming early nerves and a determined fightback from the American to claim the most significant victory of her comeback from injury.

The match began with both players showing signs of tension befitting a WTA final, but it was Raducanu who settled first into her rhythm. The 2021 US Open champion was particularly impressive with her forehand, consistently finding the corners while moving Gauff around the court with intelligent court positioning. Her break of serve in the seventh game came through sustained pressure, as she forced three consecutive errors from Gauff with deep, penetrating groundstrokes that pushed the American well behind the baseline.

Gauff responded in the second set with the kind of determined tennis that has made her one of the tours most feared competitors. The 22-year-old American elevated her return game significantly, standing closer to the baseline and taking the ball earlier to neutralize Raducanus power advantage. Her improved aggression paid immediate dividends as she broke serve twice in the second set, including a crucial break in the eighth game that was secured with a stunning backhand passing shot down the line.

The decisive third set showcased Raducanus mental fortitude and tactical intelligence, as she made crucial adjustments to her serving patterns while returning to the aggressive baseline play that had served her so well in the opening frame. Her break of serve in the third game proved to be the turning point, as she held onto that advantage with increasingly confident serving and crisp winners that drew errors from an increasingly frustrated Gauff.

The victory represents more than just a return to the winners circle for Raducanu; it validates her decision to prioritize her physical and mental health during the challenging period that followed her US Open breakthrough. Working with new coach Dmitry Tursunov, she has rebuilt her game from the ground up while developing the professional habits necessary for sustained success at the highest level. Her emotional celebration following match point reflected both relief and joy at achieving a goal that had seemed distant during her darkest moments.

For Gauff, the defeat was disappointing but cannot diminish what has been an exceptional start to the 2026 season that has seen her reach three WTA finals in her first five tournaments. The young American was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Raducanus superior level while expressing confidence that these types of matches will only make her stronger as she continues developing into one of the sports premier players. As both players prepare for the upcoming Indian Wells Masters, this final provided compelling evidence that the next generation of womens tennis is in excellent hands with competitors capable of producing championship-level tennis on the biggest stages.