Boris Becker congratulated Mirra Andreeva on an enormous comeback within the Dubai semifinal and in addition remarked that 17-year-old gamers ought to “by no means be underestimated.”
Within the semifinal of the WTA 1000 match in Dubai, Elena Rybakina seemed to be cruising towards a comeback win over the Russian after profitable the second set – opening a 3-1 lead within the decider – after which having a recreation level for a 4-1 lead.
However then, the 17-year-old saved that recreation level – broke the Kazakh – and in addition received the subsequent 4 video games to finish a 6-4 4-6 6-3 win and change into the youngest-ever feminine participant to achieve a WTA 1000 closing for the reason that format was launched in 2009.
Becker, who was simply 17 when he landed his first Grand Slam at 1985 Wimbledon, had an important response.
“By no means underestimate 17 years previous gamers… Properly finished Mirra!” the German tennis legend wrote on X.
By no means underestimate 17 years previous gamers …
Properly finished Mirra ! https://t.co/q4q2PswSHQ
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) February 21, 2025
Andreeva completes a win on a significant run for a second consecutive match
Earlier than sending Rybakina residence, the Twelfth-seeded Russian additionally surprised Iga Swiatek 6-3 6-3 within the quarterfinal.
Within the second set of that match, the 17-year-old was additionally 1-3 down within the second earlier than profitable the subsequent 5 video games.
After falling 1-3 all the way down to Rybakina within the third set, Andreeva immediately remembered profitable the primary set of their 2023 Beijing assembly however then the Kazakh storming again to win 2-6 6-4 6-1.
“No, this isn’t taking place once more,” the 17-year-old recalled pondering.
“It was a bit onerous after the second set. I do not suppose I had any break factors, however I simply felt like I used to be very shut.
“I used to be proper there along with her. Ultimately I had few flashbacks to our final match in 2023. So I used to be like, ‘No, this isn’t taking place once more. Mirra, c’mon.’
“I went to the bathroom. I attempted to take my time. I attempted to suppose what am I presupposed to do. I attempted to alter one thing. Then ultimately I simply saved believing in myself.
“I used to be like, ‘Properly, I received the primary set, I used to be proper there along with her within the second, did not go my manner, so I am simply going to maintain enjoying my recreation. I am simply going to maintain placing the ball in, run, combat, do no matter I can.’ Ultimately it labored in some way. I do not even know the way.”
