Andreeva survives Volynets scare in Qatar opener

Mirra Andreeva fought from a set and a break down to edge past Katie Volynets in her opening match at the Qatar Open on Sunday. 

Andreeva emerged a 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victor in a contest that lasted over two-and-a-half hours to keep her hopes of lifting a second WTA-Tour level title alive. 

But American qualifier Volynets, who pushed Elena Rybakina all the way in their clash in Abu Dhabi last week, recovered from an early break to take the opening set. 

Andreeva traded several blows with her opponent in the second, as the set went to a tie-break, with the 17-year-old Russian prevailing to take the encounter the distance. 

The world number 15 opened the decider with a break of serve before being pegged back by Volynets, but was able to break once again in the ninth game. 

Andreeva closed out the win with a fierce volley, setting up a clash with either Anhelina Kalinina or Rebecca Sramkova in the next round of the competition. 

 

A hard fought victory

Mirra Andreeva moves into the next round after defeating Volynets 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4!#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen pic.twitter.com/b8RCNXeWcX

— wta (@WTA) February 9, 2025

Data Debrief: Australian Open hangover for Andreeva

In her first appearance since her fourth-round exit to eventual winner Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open last month, there were signs of rust from Andreeva. 

Despite serving 11 aces, Andreeva registered five double faults in the contest, while also managing to save just one of the five break points she faced in the contest. 

Though not at her best, Andreeva did enough to progress to the next round, but knows she must improve if she is to lift the title in Qatar.