Mirra Andreeva becomes youngest player to lift WTA-1000 title

On February 22, history was made as Mirra Andreeva achieved a remarkable victory, securing her first WTA-1000 title. At the age of 17, she became the youngest champion in Dubai and the youngest winner of a WTA-1000 event since the format was established.

The Russian came to Dubai following a second-round loss to a lower-ranked competitor in Qatar. Nevertheless, Andreeva maintained a positive outlook as she entered the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships. After a commanding victory in her opening match, she faced 2023 Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová. Unfortunately for the Czech player, she was unable to compete effectively, ultimately losing the final set without winning a single game.

The Russian’s biggest test came in the quarter-final clash against five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek. However, the Pole was left stunned as Andreeva crushed her in straight sets. Then 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina took on Andreeva for a spot in the final.

The contest was decided in the third set, with the Kazakh initially earning a break but being broken back by the Russian twice in a row. Subsequently, Andreeva confronted Clara Tauson in pursuit of ultimate victory. The opening set was marked by intense competition, with both players serving with great confidence.

The tiebreak was decisively controlled by the 17-year-old, who then asserted her dominance throughout the match, creating challenges for the Danish player, whose aspirations for a first WTA-1000 title were ultimately dashed. Andreeva has now entered the top-10 of the WTA rankings, currently holding the position of World Number #9, having surpassed both Emma Navarro and Paula Badosa.

This incredible achievement cemented her place in the history books alongside legends of the game. She is only the second teenager, regardless of gender, to secure the singles title at the Dubai Tennis Championships, following the esteemed Rafael Nadal from Spain, who achieved this feat in 2006.

At the age of 17 years and 301 days, Andreeva has become the youngest player to feature in the top-10 rankings since Nicole Vaidisova in 2006. She also holds the record for playing the fewest main draws (11) before a WTA-1000 triumph since Badosa in 2021.

The young sensation’s heroics offer a glimpse into the future of the sport. Recently, Joao Fonseca established himself as one of the youngest ATP champions, and the impressive triumph of the Russian teenager further emphasizes that tennis is poised for an exhilarating and promising future.

Cover Credits - BBC