Mirra Andreeva makes history with Dubai Open win
Mirra Andreeva made history by becoming the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title after she claimed the Dubai Tennis Championships at the age of 17.
The Russian player beat Clara Tauson 7-6 (7-1) 6-1, and this victory means Andreeva will enter the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time next week.
On her way to the final, Andreeva defeated Grand Slam winners Marketa Vondrousova, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina.
“I had set myself a goal to be in the top 10 by the end of the year,” she said. “Now it’s the end of February, and I’ve already achieved it. This is incredible for me.”
Tauson, 22, from Denmark, started well, going 2-0 up early. But Andreeva quickly found her rhythm, breaking back to level the match at 2-2.
The first set was close, but Andreeva won the tiebreak after taking the first six points. Tauson then hit a return long to end the set.
Andreeva took control of the second set, quickly moving to a 5-1 lead. Tauson’s return went long again, giving the title to the young Russian.
“I’m so happy with the way I played,” Andreeva said. “I was nervous, and you could see that with my double faults and some mistakes. But I’m really happy that I could handle the pressure. Now it feels amazing.”
“This is something I’ve always dreamed of, and now my dream has come true. I’m speechless right now.”
