E-Paper
Sign In
Andreeva on track to emulate legendary Henin and Venus in Dubai
Andreeva is sensing a rare chance to become only the fourth player after Justine Henin, Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina to win back-to-back Dubai titles
- PUBLISHED: Wed 18 Feb 2026, 9:22 PM UPDATED: Thu 19 Feb 2026, 10:01 AM
Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina may have become the latest top player to withdraw from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, but fans can expect a thrilling quarterfinal battle on Thursday.
Defending champion Mirra Andreeva, the Russian who captivated Dubai last year with her dazzling talent and indomitable spirit, set up a last-eight clash with two-time Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova of the US.
Recommended For You
Anisimova was in cruise control, needing only 70 minutes to dismantle Indonesian wildcard Janice Tjen in straight sets — 6-1, 6-3.
Andreeva, on the other hand, wasn’t in complete control of a match that featured 13 breaks of serve, but the 18-year-old managed to overcome Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian in straight sets — 7-5, 6-3.
It was Andreeva’s first match of the tournament, having received a walkover in the second round and a bye in the first.
Daria Kasatkina’s late withdrawal had robbed Andreeva of a chance to be in action on Tuesday.
“It’s the second time it ever happened to me, that the girl withdrew before the match. I had one more day of practice, but I feel like it’s kind of breaking the rhythm of your play a little bit,” the world number seven said.
“I feel like I was pretty far from perfect today, from how I want to play, so I’m just really happy that I stayed focused and tried to reset for every single point. I’m super happy with that. I’m sure tomorrow is going to be better because I’m going to get into this rhythm.”
Andreeva is now itching to get back on the court, sensing a rare chance to become only the fourth player after Justine Henin, Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina to win back-to-back Dubai titles.
“I know I’m a defending champion, but I have so many nice and great memories from Dubai last year. I feel all the support from the people,” he said.
Last year, Andreeva’s Dubai triumph saw her become the youngest winner of a WTA 1000 tournament.
“Honestly, it’s insane because I feel so much more motivated here than any tournament, so I’m just so excited to try and defend my title,” she said.
“I’m going to give it all tomorrow, and we’ll see how it’s going to go.”
Meanwhile, Antonia Ruzic, a Lucky Loser, also made it to the quarterfinals after Rybakina withdrew due to illness.
Ruzic bounced back after losing the first set (5-7 6-4 1-0) when the Russia-born Kazakh decided to retire.
The Austrian’s reward is a last eight game against Svitolina, who won the battle of mothers against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland 4-6 6-1 6-3.
On Court 1, Denmark’s Clara Tauson, who lost to Andreeva in the Dubai final last year, produced a solid performance to record a comfortable win over Magda Linette of Poland 6-4 6-2.
Tauson’s quarterfinal opponent will be fourth-seeded American Jessica Pegula, who was too strong for rising star Iva Jovic (6-4 6-2).
Rituraj Borkakoty is Sports Editor and has spent more than two decades writing on his sporting heroes. He also loves an underdog story, so if you have one, share it with him. He would love to bring it to life.
