Mirra Andreeva Stuns World No. 2 Iga Swiatek to Reach Historic Dubai Semi-Final
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: In a stunning upset at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, World No. 2 Iga Swiatek was eliminated in straight sets by 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva on Thursday. The young Russian talent delivered a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory to secure a place in the WTA 1000 semi-finals, making history as the youngest semi-finalist since the tournament’s inception in 2001.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, was seen as the favorite to claim her first Dubai crown after World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s shocking exit on Wednesday. However, Andreeva’s determined and tactical performance saw the Polish star exit the tournament in a swift and decisive fashion.
Despite showing early nerves in her opening service game, Andreeva managed to fend off three breakpoints before breaking Swiatek’s serve to take the lead. The teenager showcased remarkable court coverage and anticipation, sealing another break with a powerful forehand down the line.
Swiatek fought back in the second set, gaining a 3-1 advantage, but Andreeva remained unshaken. After consulting with her coach during a brief on-court exchange, she went on to win five consecutive games, securing a career-defining victory. The win served as sweet revenge for her three-set loss to Swiatek in Cincinnati last year.
Reflecting on her performance, Andreeva said, “Last time we played, [it] was a close match – tough, intense. This time, I just tried to tell myself to go for my shots, to be aggressive, to not hesitate. That helped me to win in a way. I just go for my shots and try to bring out my best level.”
Up next, Andreeva faces World No. 7 Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals. Rybakina, who secured her spot after defeating American wildcard Sofia Kenin 6-2, 7-6(2), previously reached the Dubai final in 2020. Aware of the rising challenge Andreeva poses, Rybakina acknowledged the danger of facing a fearless young competitor.
“For sure, she has nothing to lose now,” Rybakina said. “She is playing very well in this tournament and is very dangerous. She’s physically very good, very quick. If she plays like that, for sure it won’t be easy, but I will try to recover and be prepared to show my best.”
The other semi-final will see unseeded Clara Tauson take on No. 14 seed Karolina Muchova. Tauson, ranked World No. 38, continued her dream run after defeating World No. 1 Sabalenka on Wednesday, overcoming Linda Noskova 7-6(4), 6-4 to secure her place in the final four.
“The level I had [against Sabalenka] is a level you hit maybe five or six times a year, so I was sure it wasn’t going to be the same,” Tauson admitted. “I was aware it was going to be a tougher match, but I’m really happy with how I handled it.”
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, now in its 25th year, runs until February 22 before transitioning to the ATP Tour 500 tournament from February 24 to March 1. The prestigious event is organized by Dubai Duty Free and 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.
