Teenager Andreeva beats Rybakina to become youngest WTA 1,000 finalist in Dubai

Posted February 21, 2025 10:12 am

Russia's Mirra Andreeva reacts during a semifinal match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship against Russia's Mirra Andreeva in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva became the youngest player to reach the final of a WTA 1,000 event after beating sixth-seeded Elena Rybakina 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 Friday at the Dubai Championships.

The 17-year-old Andreeva trailed 3-1 in the third set before winning the last five games to reach her second tour-level final. She won the Iasi Open in Romania last July.

Her opponent in the final will be either Clara Tauson, the Dane who knocked out top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, or Karolina Muchova.

After wins against Rybakina, Iga Świątek and Marketa Vondrousova in Dubai, Andreeva also became the youngest player to beat three Grand Slam champions in a single tournament since Maria Sharapova in 2004 at the WTA Finals.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Russia's Mirra Andreeva reacts after winning a semifinal match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship against Russia's Mirra Andreeva in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

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