Mirra Andreeva delivered a surprising upset on the Dubai Responsibility Free Tennis Championships, toppling five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek 6-3 6-3 to succeed in the semifinals. At simply 17 years previous, Andreeva turned the youngest participant to advance to this stage for the reason that match’s inception in 2001.
The teenage sensation showcased outstanding composure, rallying from a break down within the second set to defeat the match’s second seed in a single hour and 38 minutes. The world No. 14 broke Swiatek twice within the opening set and, after falling behind 3-1 within the second, stormed via the ultimate 5 video games to seal the victory.
This marks Andreeva’s fifth profession win over a High 10 opponent and her second overcome a world No. 2, having beforehand shocked Aryna Sabalenka within the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2024.
With this win, Andreeva advances to her second semifinal on the WTA 1000 stage or greater, following her deep run on the French Open final 12 months. It is usually her fifth tour-level semifinal total—a formidable feat for somebody so early of their profession.
The extremely anticipated rematch between Andreeva and Swiatek carried echoes of their first encounter on the 2024 Cincinnati quarterfinals, the place Swiatek narrowly edged out a three-set thriller, 4-6 6-3 7-5. As soon as once more, Andreeva struck first by taking the opening set, however this time, she refused to let the favourite mount a comeback, emphatically closing out the match to avenge her earlier loss.
With this milestone, Andreeva turns into the primary participant beneath 18 to defeat Swiatek on the tour stage—one more indication that the rising star is right here to remain.
