This final showcased to tennis experts and fans worldwide just how dominant Mirra Andreeva can be when she fights for every point. She appeared completely locked in—fully in the zone. And make no mistake, Clara Tauson played a strong final. Only by sustaining that relentless intensity was the 17-year-old Russian talent able to secure victory.
Mirra Andreeva Takes the First Set Against Clara Tauson at the WTA 1000 Dubai Final
The opening set of the WTA 1000 Dubai final between Mirra Andreeva and Clara Tauson delivered high drama, featuring multiple service breaks and a tiebreak that ultimately saw Andreeva claim the set 7-6(1). Tauson, who started the match on serve, struggled with consistency, while Andreeva showcased resilience in crucial moments.
Early Exchanges: A Flurry of Breaks
Tauson began the match on serve, but it quickly became evident that holding serve would be a challenge. Both players exchanged early breaks, with Andreeva losing her serve in the second game after failing to convert at 15-40. However, Tauson was unable to consolidate, surrendering her own serve in the third game after Andreeva battled back from 30-0.
At 2-2, Andreeva managed to hold serve for the first time, gaining a slim advantage. Clara Tauson responded well by holding comfortably in the next game, leveling at 3-3. Both players then traded holds, bringing the set to 4-4, before Tauson faltered again, dropping her serve at love to give Andreeva a 5-4 lead.
Late Set Drama
Despite having the opportunity to serve for the set at 5-4, Andreeva couldn’t close it out, losing her service game and allowing Tauson back into the contest at 5-5. The Dane then held serve, and the teenager did the same, sending the match into a tiebreak.
Tiebreak: Andreeva’s Dominance
The tiebreak turned out to be one-sided. Tauson struggled to find her rhythm, losing the first five points—including three consecutive service points—to hand Andreeva a commanding 5-0 lead. The young Russian extended her advantage to 6-0, securing six set points. Tauson managed to save one on Andreeva’s serve, but the damage was already done. On the next point, Tauson lost her own serve once again, conceding the tiebreak 7-1 and the set to Andreeva.
Andreeva’s resilience and ability to capitalize on Tauson’s struggles in key moments proved decisive. Despite missing two opportunities to serve out the set, she regrouped and dominated the tiebreak, putting herself in a strong position for the rest of the match. Afterward, Mirra Andreeva told WTA fans that she felt “lucky” in the first set and that she struggled with nerves.
Mirra Andreeva Dominates Second Set to Clinch WTA 1000 Dubai Title
After a tense first set, Mirra Andreeva found her rhythm in the second, delivering a commanding 6-1 victory over Clara Tauson to secure the WTA 1000 Dubai title. The 17-year-old Russian took control early and never looked back, breaking Tauson’s serve twice and winning five consecutive games to seal the match in dominant fashion.
Andreeva, who started the set on serve, faced some resistance in the opening game but held after a tight deuce battle. Tauson responded well, holding serve to level at 1-1. At this stage, the match seemed set for another close battle, but Andreeva had other plans.
Andreeva Takes Control
Tauson struggled in her next service game, facing pressure from the baseline as Andreeva consistently forced long rallies. The Dane eventually lost serve at 1-2 after failing to capitalize on a 30-15 lead. This break opened the floodgates, as Andreeva went on a rampage, breaking again in Tauson’s next service game after a marathon deuce battle that included multiple break points.
Despite Tauson’s attempts to stay in the match, she found herself overwhelmed by Andreeva’s depth and precision. At 1-4, Tauson had a crucial opportunity to hold but ultimately lost serve again, giving Andreeva a chance to serve for the championship. By then, it was already clear that the Dane was struggling physically, a fact she later admitted in her speech during the ceremony.
Serving at 5-1, Andreeva showed no nerves as she quickly raced to 40-0, earning three championship points. Tauson saved one with a brilliant winner, but Andreeva capitalized on the second, sealing the match 7-6(1), 6-1.
A Breakthrough Moment for a Ruthless Andreeva
This victory marks a significant milestone in Andreeva’s young career, as she becomes the youngest WTA 1000 champion since the format’s introduction in 2009. Her composure in high-pressure moments and ability to shift gears in the second set proved crucial in her triumph. Tauson, despite a strong first set, was unable to match Andreeva’s consistency and tactical play in the latter stages of the match.
With this win, Andreeva secures her place in the WTA Tour’s top 10 and sends a strong message to the rest of the field ahead of the upcoming hardcourt season.
Match Stats Clara Tauson vs. Mirra Andreeva
| Clara Tauson | vs. | Mirra Andreeva |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 1 | Aces | 6 |
| 4 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 56% (37/66) | 1st Service % | 63% (45/71) |
| 62% (23/37) | 1st Service Points Won | 73% (33/45) |
| 34% (10/29) | 2nd Service Points Won | 42% (11/26) |
| 43% (3/7) | Break Points Saved | 75% (6/8) |
| 56% (5/9) | Service Games | 80% (8/10) |
| Return | ||
| 27% (12/45) | 1st Return Points Won | 38% (14/37) |
| 58% (15/26) | 2nd Return Points Won | 66% (19/29) |
| Match Duration | 1h 47m |