‘Never too late’: Dubai triumph fuels Pegula’s Grand Slam dream at 32

American star draws inspiration from Flavia Pennetta, the only player to win maiden major after turning 30 in Open Era

Jessica Pegula has declared it’s “never too late to chase your dreams” after capturing the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title—a victory she believes could propel her toward a historic first Grand Slam at age 32.

The world No. 5 delivered an emphatic 6-2, 6-4 dismantling of Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in Saturday’s final, securing her third WTA 1000 title just days before her 32nd birthday on February 24.

While Pegula has established herself as one of the tour’s most consistent performers, a major championship remains the glaring omission from an otherwise glittering resume. Yet rather than viewing her age as a barrier, the American draws inspiration from Italy’s Flavia Pennetta—the only player in the Open Era to claim a maiden Grand Slam after turning 30.

Pennetta was 33 when she stunned the tennis world at the 2015 US Open.

“That’s the next step for me. I’ve come really close,” Pegula said, reflecting on her runner-up finish at the 2024 US Open. “Being able to gain confidence and win titles like this is only going to help me hopefully prove that I’ve improved as a player.”

The Dubai triumph marks the latest milestone in a career defined by perseverance. Remarkably, Pegula didn’t crack the top 100 until age 25—considered a late bloomer in today’s game.

“I think I’ve proven that you can do well at a later age. I proved a lot of people wrong,” she said. “I proved to myself that I was a top athlete at this level. Made slam finals, gone deep in several slams now. Won 10 titles. My highest ranking was 3. There’s definitely a lot to be proud of.”

Pegula’s resurgence includes seven consecutive semifinal appearances across tournaments, featuring deep runs at both the US Open and Australian Open. The daughter of billionaire Terry Pegula insists she won’t let an elusive Grand Slam define her legacy—but makes no secret of her ultimate ambition.

“It’s kind of always the last goal of mine that I’m really going after,” she admitted. “Hopefully, come the French Open, I’m able to execute and do those things I need to do to keep progressing and give myself the best shot.”