American duo Pegula and Krawczyk trade rackets for drivers at Topgolf Dubai before WTA 1000
US stars enjoy precision challenge before tournament week
DUBAI – Having previously combined forces on the doubles court, World No. 6 Jessica Pegula and fellow American Desirae Krawczyk reunited in a different sporting arena on Sunday evening, swapping forehands for fairways at Topgolf Dubai ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The pair embraced a precision-based golf challenge at the futuristic driving range located at Emirates Golf Club, blending competition with entertainment against the backdrop of Dubai’s illuminated skyline. The outing came just days before the start of the WTA 1000 event at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, which runs from February 15-21.
For Pegula, the evening offered a rare chance to step away from the intensity of tournament preparation. The fourth seed welcomed the opportunity to relax before a demanding week on court, describing the experience as enjoyable and competitive in equal measure.
Friendly rivalry
The American duo, known for their camaraderie on tour, approached the challenge with evident enthusiasm. Pegula, a 2024 US Open finalist, expressed surprise at Krawczyk’s natural ability with a golf club, noting that her compatriot appeared comfortable despite having never played before.
Driving accuracy proved to be the highlight of the evening, with both players testing their precision in a format designed to reward consistency and control. It shows the lighter side of elite sport, offering a contrast to the high-stakes environment of a WTA 1000 tournament.
Krawczyk emphasised the importance of striking a balance between preparation and relaxation during tournament weeks. With several days of practice already completed in Dubai, she said she felt ready to compete and valued the chance to unwind in a different setting.
On court, both players have already made positive starts in the doubles draw. Krawczyk, partnering Ukraine’s Lyudmyla Kichenok, advanced to the Last 16 with a straight-sets victory over Fanny Stollar and Miyu Kato.
Pegula, teaming up this week with Mexico’s Giuliana Olmos, also progressed after defeating Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls. The wins place both Americans firmly in contention as the doubles competition intensifies.
In singles, Pegula benefits from her seeding position. As one of the tournament’s top eight seeds, she received a bye into the second round and will begin her campaign later this week.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships features 16 of the world’s top 20 women’s players, reaffirming its status as one of the premier stops on the WTA calendar. The WTA 1000 event concludes on February 21 and will be followed by the ATP 500 men’s tournament from February 23-28 at the same venue.
Tickets for the 2026 Championships are currently on sale, with prices starting from Dh65.