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Aryna Sabalenka Cruises to Dubai Championships Final with Dominant Win

Nina Petrova
Nina Petrova
Tennis Correspondent
5:19 AM
TENNIS
Aryna Sabalenka Cruises to Dubai Championships Final with Dominant Win
World No. 2 Sabalenka defeats Pegula in straight sets to reach Dubai final, extending impressive hard court form.

Aryna Sabalenka continued her exceptional hard court form with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Jessica Pegula in the Dubai Tennis Championships semi-final, booking her place in Monday's final against Coco Gauff.

The world No. 2 from Belarus was in complete control from the opening game, using her powerful groundstrokes to dictate play and never allowing the fourth-seeded American to settle into any rhythm. Sabalenka's aggressive baseline game proved too much for Pegula, who struggled to match the intensity and depth of her opponent's shots.

"I'm really happy with how I played today," Sabalenka said after the match. "I stayed focused on my game plan and executed it perfectly. Jessica is always tough, but I felt in control throughout the match."

Sabalenka broke Pegula's serve three times in the opening set, converting on her second set point with a blistering forehand winner down the line. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Sabalenka's power overwhelming Pegula's defensive style of play.

The victory extends Sabalenka's winning streak to 12 matches, dating back to her triumph at the Australian Open in January. Her consistent form on hard courts has established her as the player to beat heading into the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments next month.

Sabalenka will face 19-year-old Coco Gauff in Monday's final, setting up an intriguing clash between two of the sport's brightest young stars. Gauff advanced to her first Dubai final earlier today with a three-set victory over Elena Rybakina, showing remarkable composure in the decisive moments. The final promises to be a showcase of power versus court craft, with both players capable of producing spectacular tennis when at their best.

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