This is always a difficult challenge for any player and it is not something they are faced with on a regular basis.

But Mirra Andreeva was up to the physical and mental challenge as she completed two victories on Wednesday to move into the last eight of the Qatar Open for the first time in her career.

Mirra Andreeva reaches Qatar Open quarter-final and makes history in the process

Andreeva began her busy day of tennis in Dubai by facing the 2022 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.

The Russian came through a tight first set before storming through the second set to claim a 7-5, 6-0 victory.

This was just what Andreeva needed as she was due back on court later in the day to face Peyton Stearns, who was also playing her second match in less than 24 hours.

The 23-year-old secured an upset three-set victory over Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, but she was unable to produce that level against Andreeva.

The World number 14 continued her quest for a first WTA 1000 title by dispatching Stearns 6-1, 6-1, and avenging her loss to the American in Dubai a year ago.

Andreeva’s last two wins booked her a spot in the Dubai quarter-finals and in the process she became the youngest player to reach four quarterfinals in WTA 1000 events at just 17 years of age.

Who is Mirra Andreeva’s next opponent?

Andreeva’s Dubai campaign does not get any easier as she will face Iga Swiatek for a spot in the semi-finals.

The Pole has looked strong so far, as she dispatched Victoria Azarenka 6-0, 6-2 in round one before overcoming Dayana Yastremska 7-5, 6-0 in one hour and 32 minutes.

This will be Andreeva’s second meeting against Swiatek, which comes six months after their first match at the 2024 Cincinnati Masters.

In an entertaining three-set battle, the Swiatek came from a set down to clinch victory.

With not players in good form, their Dubai Open clash promises to be an enthralling one that fans will not want to miss.