Mirra Andreeva Makes History as Youngest WTA 1000 Champion

Mirra Andreeva made history in Dubai, becoming the first 17-year-old to win a WTA 1000 title and the youngest top-10 debutant since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007.

Mirra Andreeva, a 17-year-old Russian tennis sensation, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest WTA 1000 champion after defeating Clara Tauson 7-6(1), 6-1 in the Dubai final on Saturday. Andreeva's remarkable run to the title included victories over three Grand Slam winners, including second-seeded Iga Swiatek, cementing her status as a rising star in the tennis world.

Andreeva's triumph not only marked her maiden WTA 1000 title but also paved the way for her top-10 debut in the rankings. The Russian teenager is expected to rise to number nine when the new rankings are released on Monday. Her impressive performance in Dubai has sent shockwaves through the tennis community, and Andreeva's name is now firmly on the radar of fans and pundits alike.

“I just wanna thank me for always believing in me” 💙

Congrats, Mirra Andreeva! Youngest WTA 1000 champion in history 👑 pic.twitter.com/s2VqOXwOUA

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 22, 2025

Mirra Andreeva expressed her elation and surprise at achieving her goal of breaking into the top 10 so early in the season. “I'd set a goal for myself to be in the top 10 by the end of the year. Now it's the end of February and I've already made it, so this is something incredible for me,” she said. Andreeva acknowledged that she was nervous during the match, which was evident in her double faults and mistakes. However, she was thrilled to have managed her nerves and secured the victory.

“I'm just super happy with the way I was playing today. I was hella (very) nervous. I think you could see it during the match with all those double faults, some mistakes,” Andreeva revealed. Despite her nerves, Andreeva's triumph marked a dream come true for the 17-year-old. “So I'm just really happy that I could manage and deal with the pressure. And now it just feels amazing... This is something I dreamt of and now my dream came true so I'm just, I'm speechless right now.”

She's a teenage sensation 🤩

Mirra Andreeva defeats Tauson 7-6(1), 6-1 to be crowned champion in Dubai!#DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/BvBZTanYYP

— wta (@WTA) February 22, 2025

Clara Tauson, Andreeva's opponent in the final, had also enjoyed a remarkable run in the tournament, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka along the way. The 22-year-old Dane had been in impressive form, leading the tour with 15 match-wins before the final. Despite ultimately falling short against Andreeva, Tauson's performance in Dubai marked a significant milestone in her career, as she reached the biggest final of her life.

Clara Tauson's bid for a second title in 2025 and her fourth overall was thwarted by Mirra Andreeva, who showcased her all-court prowess to overcome her big-hitting opponent in one hour and 46 minutes. The match marked the youngest WTA 1000 final since the category's introduction in 2009, with Andreeva rising to the occasion.

Andreeva played a near-flawless opening-set tiebreak to take the lead after 60 minutes of play, setting the tone for the rest of the match. She continued to dominate in the second set, breaking twice to secure a 5-1 advantage, and then served out the win at the first attempt. This victory marked a significant milestone in Andreeva's career, as she became the first 17-year-old to break into the top 10 since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007. She also made history as only the second teenager – male or female – to win the Dubai event since its inception in 1993, after Rafael Nadal in 2006.

An elated Andreeva expressed her gratitude and pride in her achievement, saying, “Lastly, I want to thank me for never quitting and always believing in myself,” as she lifted the trophy in triumph. This moment marked the culmination of her hard work and dedication, and Andreeva's beaming smile reflected her joy and satisfaction at realizing her dreams.