Andreeva, 16, becomes youngest Dubai semi-finalist, beats Swiatek

Photo: WAM

In a stunning upset at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, World No. 2 Iga Swiatek was knocked out in straight sets by 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva on Thursday. This victory was a huge milestone for Andreeva, who made it to her first-ever WTA 1000 semi-final. Not only did she secure a spot in the final four, but she also became the youngest player to reach this stage in the tournament’s history, which began in 2001.

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Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam winner, seemed like the favorite to win after World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated the day before. However, Andreeva had other plans. In a dominant performance, Andreeva won 6-3, 6-3 and, at just 17 years and 297 days old, became the youngest semi-finalist in the 25-year history of the Dubai women’s event.

Andreeva admitted that she was nervous at the start of the match. In the opening set, she struggled in her first service game, facing three breakpoints. But she held on and managed to break Swiatek’s serve, taking control of the match. Her powerful forehand and smart movement around the court helped her win the first set.
Swiatek fought back in the second set, jumping to a 3-1 lead, but Andreeva stayed calm. After a quick chat with her coach, the young Russian regained her focus and won five consecutive games to seal the match. This victory was especially sweet for Andreeva, as she had lost to Swiatek in three sets during their only previous meeting in Cincinnati last year.

“I just told myself to be aggressive, to not hesitate, and to go for my shots,” Andreeva said after the match. “It worked for me today. I just go for my best, fight for every ball, and try not to worry about the score.”

Andreeva’s reward for her incredible win is a semi-final match against World No. 7 Elena Rybakina, who defeated American Sofia Kenin in straight sets earlier that day. Rybakina, who reached the Dubai final in 2020, knows that Andreeva is a very dangerous opponent.

“She has nothing to lose now,” Rybakina said about Andreeva. “She’s been playing very well and is quick. If she keeps playing like this, it will be tough, but I’ll try to be ready.”

Rybakina, who won Wimbledon in 2022, also reflected on her journey from being a young player to now being a top-ranked star with many players aiming to beat her. “It’s different now,” she said. “When I was younger, I just played for fun and enjoyed it. But now, everyone wants to beat me, so it’s a little harder.”

In the other semi-final, unseeded Clara Tauson will face No. 14 seed Karolina Muchova. Tauson made waves by defeating World No. 1 Sabalenka in straight sets earlier in the tournament. Despite feeling nervous before her next match against Linda Noskova, Tauson came through with a 7-6(4), 6-4 win.

“I knew it wouldn’t be the same as my match against Sabalenka,” Tauson said. “I wasn’t expecting to play at that level again, but I managed to win, and I’m happy about that.”

The 25th edition of the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships will continue until February 22, with the ATP tournament following from February 24 to March 1. The tournament is owned and organized by Dubai Duty-Free and is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Feb. 21, 2025 1:18 p.m. 344

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