The last week in the ATP and WTA circuit delivered surprises, confirmations, and great battles. Mirra Andreeva wrote a new page in history in Dubai, while Andrey Rublev and Sebastian Baez added another trophy to their collections. Here’s everything that happened.
WTA: Andreeva Triumphs in Dubai, Cocciaretto the Only Italian in Mérida
At just 16 years old, Mirra Andreeva won her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai, defeating Clara Tauson in the final with a clear 7-6, 6-1. During the tournament, the young Russian achieved a semifinal victory against Rybakina, confirming herself as one of the rising stars of women’s tennis. This triumph propels her directly into the Top 10, making her the third youngest in history to achieve this, following Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova.
At the WTA 125 in Mérida, the only Italian in the main draw is Elisabetta Cocciaretto, while the top seed is Emma Navarro.
ATP: Baez Dominates in Rio, Comesaña Stuns Zverev
In South America, Sebastian Baez successfully defended his title at the Rio Open, defeating Alexandre Müller in the final with a 6-4, 6-1 victory. Baez reaffirms his dominance on South American clay, securing his fifth ATP title.
In the same tournament, Argentine Francisco Comesaña made headlines by eliminating Alexander Zverev in the first round with a 6-1, 6-3 win. A surprising victory for the world number 122, who took advantage of an underwhelming Zverev to claim his first major scalp on the main tour.
ATP Doha: Rublev Returns to Winning Ways
In Qatar, Andrey Rublev clinched the ATP 500 title in Doha, defeating J. Draper in the final with a 7-5 5-7 6-1 scoreline. The Russian, who had not won a tournament since Bastad 2023, overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals with a convincing performance.
During the post-match press conference, Rublev stated:
“I mean, it feels amazing. It feels really great. It’s like I was saying before, it’s my first tournament that I win twice. So I never won something, I never won the same tournament twice. I only did final, win or, yeah, couple of times finals, and then win. But never two, like to win it twice.”
“Doha was one of the tournaments where I reached the final, and I won it. Now, I was able to win it for the second time. And like you said, being this event a 500 makes it even more special. So, yeah, super happy.”
On his growth and improvements:
“I mean, we’ll see. I mean, this week it looks like, yes, that it’s working, I’m in the right direction, so we’ll see.”
“I guess the most important thing now is to keep that feeling and that vision that I was having in the beginning of the season because that belief brought me where I am today.”
Next ATP Dubai and Acapulco: Draper Withdraws and Musetti
In Dubai, Britain’s Jack Draper decided to withdraw before the start of the tournament to better manage his physical condition after playing in the Qatar Open final the previous week.
In Acapulco, Lorenzo Musetti withdrew due to a persistent injury, making way for Mattia Bellucci. Matteo Arnaldi, on the other hand, will face Zverev in a high-profile match.
Other Tennis Updates
- Taylor Fritz is dealing with an injury, putting his participation in upcoming tournaments in doubt.
- Eurosport is preparing to integrate with TNT Sports, marking a significant change in the sports broadcasting landscape.
- Several minor tournaments have been canceled, with impacts on the ATP and WTA calendar still to be assessed.
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