DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Elina Svitolina reached her first WTA 1000 final since 2018 with a marathon 6-4, 6-7 (13/15), 6-4 victory over third-seeded American Coco Gauff at the Dubai Championships on Friday.

In a rematch of their Australian Open quarter-final last month, Svitolina repeated her success against Gauff, this time after a gruelling three-hour duel, to book a final showdown with another American, Jessica Pegula.

Earlier on centre court, Pegula maintained her perfect record against Amanda Anisimova and triumphed 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American battle to reach her first final in Dubai.

Svitolina has been in fine form so far this season, amassing a 15-2 win-loss record. The Ukrainian seventh seed started her year by winning a title in Auckland, before reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open and now advancing to the third Dubai final of her career.

She returned to the top 10 in the world rankings earlier this month, for the first time since 2021, and the first time as a mother.

“To be honest, I’m speechless after that fight,” said the two-time Dubai champion, who needed six match points to close out the win.

“I was really trying to put myself out there and was playing like there is no tomorrow, in a way. It’s really, really special to be in a final here and have the chance again to lift that beautiful trophy.”

Gauff once again faced issues with her serve and finished the match with 12 double faults.

“I’ve been doing everything you’ve wanted for six months and I haven’t gotten any better,” Gauff said, looking towards her box.