Russian Mirra Andreeva (17) wrapped up a fairytale week in Dubai by becoming the youngest-ever WTA 1000 champion with victory over Clara Tauson (22) on Saturday.

After ousting three Grand Slam winners, including second-seeded Iga Swiatek, en route to the final, Andreeva ended Tauson’s own dream run at the tournament with a 7-6(1), 6-1 victory against the Dane.

It was a performance that didn’t just earn Andreeva a maiden WTA 1000 trophy, but also secured her top-10 debut with the Russian expected to rise to number nine when the new rankings are released on Monday.

“I’d set a goal for myself to be in top 10 by the end of the year. Now it’s the end of February and I’ve already made it, so this is something incredible for me,” Andreeva said.

“I’m just super happy with the way I was playing today. I was hella (very) nervous. I think you could see it during the match with all those double faults, some mistakes.

“So I’m just really happy that I could manage and deal with the pressure. And now it just feels amazing… This is something I dreamt of and now my dream came true so I’m just, I’m speechless right now.”

Tauson had been a giant slayer herself this week, knocking out world number one Aryna Sabalenka on her way to the biggest final of her career.

The 22-year-old entered the clash with Andreeva leading the tour with 15 match-wins so far this season.

She was looking to add a second title to her tally in 2025, and fourth overall, but Andreeva had other ideas, as she overcame her big-hitting opponent in one hour and 46 minutes of all-court prowess.

In the youngest WTA 1000 final since the category was introduced in 2009, Andreeva played a near-perfect opening-set tiebreak to take the lead after 60 minutes of play.

She upped the ante in the second set, breaking twice for a 5-1 advantage and served out the win at the first time of asking.

On Monday, Andreeva will become the first 17-year-old to be ranked in the top 10 since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007.

She also broke new ground as only the second teenager — male or female — to win the Dubai event since its inception in 1993, after Rafa Nadal in 2006.

“Lastly, I want to thank me for never quitting and always believing in myself,” a beaming Andreeva said after she lifted up the trophy.