In a thrilling quarterfinal at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Amanda Anisimova emerged victorious over defending champion Mirra Andreeva. The match was a rollercoaster, with Andreeva battling back from 5-3 down in the third set to force a tiebreaker. Anisimova, feeling the intensity, nearly shed tears as she clinched a hard-fought 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(4) victory.
The emotional climax saw Andreeva's final backhand sail long, ending her hopes of a back-to-back title like Elina Svitolina's 2017-18 run. As the 18-year-old processed the defeat, she bent over, hands on knees, before sharing a heartfelt embrace with Anisimova, leaving the court visibly emotional.
In her on-court interview, Anisimova, who has been candid about her mental health journey, expressed empathy for her opponent. "It was such a tough battle, and I thought we played incredible tennis," she remarked.
"Seeing Mirra down like that, it's understandable. We both fought so hard today, and it made me emotional seeing her like that.
She's the defending champion, and I feel like we both won on the court today. These matches are tough because someone has to lose."
Later, in her press conference, Anisimova praised Andreeva's efforts, noting that despite the loss and recent early exits following her Adelaide International title, Andreeva is making all the right moves. This match was a testament to the grit and spirit of both players, showcasing the intense competition and camaraderie that defines tennis at its best.