Mirra Andreeva Advances in Dubai, Plans Coaching Team Expansion

DUBAI (Azat TV) – Russian tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva, currently ranked No. 5 in the WTA, advanced to the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on February 19, 2026, showcasing her strategic prowess on court. This latest triumph comes as Andreeva confirmed her intentions to make additions to her coaching team, which notably includes former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez. Her continued success at prestigious tournaments like Dubai, where she is the reigning champion, underscores her rapid ascent in professional tennis and her commitment to sustained elite performance.

Andreeva’s Quarterfinal Victory and Anisimova Rivalry

Andreeva secured her spot in the Dubai semifinals by defeating American Amanda Anisimova in a highly anticipated quarterfinal match. The contest was marked by a moment described by the WTA as ‘genius,’ where Andreeva executed a remarkable lob and drop shot combination to win a challenging rally. This victory carried an added layer of intensity, as it was the first encounter between the two players since a contentious match at the Miami Open last year, which ended Andreeva’s 13-match winning streak.

The previous year’s Miami Open match saw Anisimova take a medical timeout for a blister, a decision Andreeva publicly questioned, suggesting it was for competitive advantage. Anisimova later responded on social media, referencing a medical timeout Andreeva had taken earlier in their match. Despite the past friction, Andreeva overcame her opponent in Dubai, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure. Her previous match against Jaqueline Cristian also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly her serve, where she struggled with double faults and second-serve points, as reported by The Tennis Gazette.

Reigning Champion Status in Dubai

Andreeva’s current performance in Dubai is particularly significant given her history at the tournament. In 2025, she made history by becoming the youngest player ever to win the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships at just 17 years and 299 days old. This victory also established her as the youngest WTA 1000 champion since the format’s inception in 2009, a fact highlighted by Gulf News. Her achievement marked a pivotal moment in her career, propelling her further into the sport’s elite ranks, culminating in her career-high singles WTA ranking of No. 5 on July 14, 2025.

Beyond her on-court achievements, Andreeva has also embraced the cultural experiences offered by her international tour schedule. During her time in Dubai, she participated in a traditional Emirati experience, trying on an abaya and Arab-style jewelry for the first time. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity, stating to Gulf News, ‘I’m so happy that I’m the one trying all of these outfits, dresses, and jewellery. For me, it’s a surreal experience.’

Strategic Moves for Mirra Andreeva’s Future

Andreeva’s decision to expand her coaching team signals a proactive approach to her burgeoning career. Her current coaching setup, which includes the experienced Conchita Martinez, has already guided her to significant milestones, including her historic Dubai win and her ascent to world No. 5. The move to add more expertise suggests a focus on continuous improvement and a strategic effort to maintain her competitive edge against the world’s top players. This forward-thinking strategy aligns with her consistent drive for excellence, both in her match play and her overall professional development.

Mirra Andreeva’s blend of on-court brilliance, evidenced by her tactical victory in the Dubai quarterfinals, and her strategic off-court decisions, such as expanding her coaching team, reflects a mature understanding of the demands of elite professional tennis, positioning her for continued success.