# Andreeva beats Pegula to reach WTA Finals final against Svitolina

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/modalidades-en/tenis-en/andreeva-beats-pegula-to-reach-wta-finals-final-against-svitolina/
- Published: 2026-11-15T21:36:30+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T21:42:11+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Ténis
- Tags: Elina Svitolina, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, WTA Finals

## Key points

- Mirra Andreeva beat Jessica Pegula in straight sets in the WTA Finals semi-final and reached the decider against Svitolina.
- Pegula had earlier been caught calling Andreeva a "diva" on a microphone during practice at Indian Wells, and apologised.
- Rennae Stubbs said Pegula's comments were a "wake-up call" that may have pushed Andreeva towards her best level.

## Article

Mirra Andreeva beat Jessica Pegula in straight sets in the WTA Finals semi-final and advanced to the decider against Svitolina. The two players had already crossed paths in a row: Pegula was caught calling Andreeva a “diva” before the tournament.

The words were picked up by a microphone during a practice session at Indian Wells and went viral, prompting the American to apologise. Andreeva reacted calmly, and the two later met in the semi-final of the year-end tournament.

## Stubbs sees the comments as a “wake-up call”

Rennae Stubbs, a former Grand Slam champion, believes Pegula’s comments served as a “wake-up call” for the young Russian, potentially motivating her to reach her best level. She shared her view on social media, saying she had noticed a change in Andreeva’s behaviour since she was called a “diva”.

“I think Jessica Pegula did Mirra Andreeva a favour by making those comments last week. It was a wake-up call from a fellow player and may have been the catalyst to make her the best player in the world!”, said Stubbs.

## What is at stake in the final

Andreeva has been one of the surprises of the WTA Finals, having beaten opponents such as Svitolina, Sabalenka and Diana Shnaider, without suffering any defeats at Indian Wells. If she beats Svitolina in the final, she could secure 1,500 ranking points and total prize money of $3.15 million.

The triumph would bring her closer to Elena Rybakina, the current world number one, who did not take part in the Finals because of injury. The points gap between first and second place would be cut to just 293, raising expectations for next season, especially for the Australian Open.

## A great 2026 season

Andreeva has already won her first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, as well as titles in Adelaide and Linz. She also reached the finals of other major tournaments, such as the China Open and the Madrid Open, and achieved her best result at the US Open by reaching the quarter-finals.

The only disappointment came at Wimbledon, where she was knocked out in the second round. If she lifts the WTA Finals trophy, her 2026 season will be complete.