How Dubai sparked Mirra Andreeva’s rise to the WTA top 10

After a breakthrough 2025 season, and victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, the Russian ends the year ranked world No. 9
DUBAI: As the 2025 WTA season concludes and the year-end rankings are revealed, one of the standout performers is Mirra Andreeva, 18, who is now ranked world No. 9.

The Russian’s breakthrough highlights the pivotal role played by the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships last February.

Victory in Dubai saw Andreeva move into the world’s top 10 at just 17, making her the youngest player to achieve the feat since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007, and the youngest player ever to win a WTA 1000 title.

Her climb has been rapid and consistent. After finishing the 2024 season ranked 16th, she leaped into the top 10 within 12 months.

Throughout 2025, Andreeva combined steady baseline play with smart shot selection and mental resilience, establishing herself as one of the most composed and competitive young players on the WTA Tour.

While she narrowly missed out on qualification for the WTA Finals, her season included several deep runs. She followed up the Dubai win with another at Indian Wells to underline her emergence as a genuine force in the women’s game.

Mirra Andreeva celebrates winning the 2025 WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February

Andreeva’s breakthrough came inside the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Battling through one of the most competitive WTA fields of the year, she defeated higher-ranked opponents — including No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals — to claim her first WTA 1000 title.

She became the youngest champion in the women’s tournament’s 25-year history and the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 event since the format’s introduction in 2009.

Following her victory, Andreeva shared her excitement with fans on social media. “Thank you Dubai. Feels so special to win my first WTA 1000 title.”

The win elevated her profile and gave her the confidence to challenge established names. In Indian Wells two weeks later she showcased remarkable poise to beat Aryna Sabalenka and capture back-to-back WTA 1000 crowns.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has become an important stop on the WTA calendar for the game’s top talent. This includes Martina Hingis, Venus Williams, Justine Henin, Coco Gauff, Sabalenka and Swiatek.

The 26th 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will run from Feb. 15 to 21, followed by the ATP 500 men’s tournament from Feb. 22 to 28.

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