Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva produced a stunning display to beat world number two Iga Swiatek 6-3, 6-3 and reach the semi-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Championships on Thursday.
The 17-year-old, 12th seed, booked the biggest win of her career, reaching her first WTA 1000 semi-final. Andreeva also became the youngest semi-finalist in Dubai’s history since the tournament started in 2001, a marked improvement from her first-round exit this year.
Anxious at the outset, Andreeva soon hit her stride, breaking Swiatek twice in the first set and closing it out with a blistering forehand down the line. Swiatek, who had beaten Andreeva in Cincinnati last year, could not keep up with the teenager’s aggressive play and sharp shot-making.
Down 3-1 in the second set, Andreeva composed herself after a chat with her coach, former Wimbeldon champion Conchita Martinez, by the courtside.
