Anisimova Ends Andreeva’s Title Defense in Thrilling Quarterfinal
No. 2 seed Amanda Anisimova defeated No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva in a gripping quarterfinal at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, coming back from a set down and trailing 5-3 in the final set. After 2 hours and 38 minutes of play, Anisimova secured her victory 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(4), converting her fourth match point.
Next Up: American Showdown
Anisimova will face fellow American and No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, a rematch of their Australian Open quarterfinal from last month. Pegula reached this stage by narrowly defeating last year’s runner-up, No. 12 seed Clara Tauson, with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, marking her seventh consecutive semifinal appearance on the WTA Tour, dating back to last year’s US Open.
An Emotional Aftermath
“I was almost in tears at the end,” Anisimova shared in her post-match interview. After Andreeva’s final shot went long, she bent over in emotion. “It was a tough battle, and we played incredible tennis,” she added, expressing empathy for the defending champion.
Sympathy for Her Opponent
In her press conference, Anisimova elaborated on her feelings for Andreeva, stating, “It’s challenging to witness someone give their all and react that way. It made me feel sad for her. If she continues to play like this, a title is just around the corner for her.” This victory marks Anisimova’s first Top 10 win of 2026 and her first semifinal appearance since the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Match Dynamics
The match began with Andreeva taking a commanding lead, showcasing her untouchable baseline play and serving prowess while Anisimova struggled with unforced errors. Yet, as Andreeva threatened a double break at 2-0 in the second set, Anisimova regathered her focus, managing to shift the momentum and eventually equalizing the match at 5-5.
Anisimova’s Resilience
As the decider unfolded, both players raised their games significantly. Anisimova, determined to find her rhythm, utilized aggressive tactics and strategically came to the net. “I feel like I’m always learning from matches like this,” she remarked, acknowledging the importance of adapting her game on the fly.
A Nail-Biting Conclusion
Andreeva made a fierce final stand, saving a match point while serving at 5-3. However, Anisimova’s powerful returns shifted the momentum once more, enabling her to take control during the tiebreak. At a crucial moment, she avoided facing another match point with a decisive forehand return down the line, ultimately seizing victory through her resilience and strategic play.
