Mirra Andreeva made history on Saturday, becoming the youngest player ever to win a WTA 1000 title after defeating Clara Tauson in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
At just 17 years and 299 days old, Andreeva’s victory also propelled her into the world’s top 10, making her the youngest player to reach that ranking since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007. She claimed the title in a 7-6 (1), 6-1 win over the 22-year-old Danish player, sealing the match in one hour and 46 minutes. Overcome with emotion, she fell to her knees in celebration before rising to acknowledge the cheering crowd.
In her post-match interview, Andreeva expressed gratitude to her team, family, and fans before playfully thanking herself.
“Last but not least, I would like to thank me,” she said with a smile, drawing laughter from the audience. “I know what I have been dealing with, and I just want to thank me for always believing in myself.”
Both finalists were competing in their first-ever WTA 1000 final, capping off impressive tournament runs. Andreeva secured victories over five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek in the quarterfinals and world No. 7 Elena Rybakina in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Tauson stunned world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16.
The opening set of the final was closely contested, with Andreeva initially struggling—she double-faulted twice in her first service game, allowing Tauson to break early. However, she fought back and dominated the tiebreak to claim the set. In the second set, she played with confidence, saving three break points at 3-1 before winning every remaining game to clinch the championship.
Despite her big payday—$597,000 in prize money—Andreeva won’t be managing her earnings just yet. As a minor, she isn’t legally allowed to have a bank account.
“All questions to my dad,” she told reporters with a laugh. “It all goes on his credit card because I don’t have my own yet. I’m hoping he’ll leave me some to buy chips and Coke… Honestly, I don’t even know what I want.”
With her new ranking of world No. 9—jumping from No. 14—Andreeva has already met her goal for the year. Now, she has set her sights even higher.
“I’m very curious if I will be able to achieve it,” she said, aiming for a spot in the top five by the end of the season.
