Three days before departure, I booked an international flight on a whim. That’s a first. Destination? Dubai. Purpose? To immerse myself in the thrill of the WTA 1000 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship. While men’s tennis may have its fair share of excitement, women’s tennis has captivated me recently for its sheer unpredictability. Unlike the ATP, where the usual suspects dominate, the WTA is a rollercoaster—anyone can beat anyone on any given day. And this tournament is proving exactly that.
The Unpredictability of WTA Tennis
As the tournament progressed, the biggest names in women’s tennis fell like dominoes. Before the quarterfinal stage, some of the top contenders—Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Marta Kostyuk, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Amanda Anisimova, Jelena Ostapenko, and Paula Badosa—were knocked out. The unpredictability of the WTA is what makes it exhilarating, and experiencing it live from the stands (and running between courts to catch multiple matches) has been a tennis fan’s dream.
Watching a WTA 1000: An Affordable Dream Come True
One of the best things about attending a WTA 1000 event is how much more affordable it is to watch almost all of the stars you’ve always dreamed of seeing in action. Unlike Grand Slams, where tickets can be exorbitantly priced, the Dubai Open allows you to witness world-class tennis without breaking the bank. For me, watching Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Aryna Sabalenka felt like a bucket list item checked. Seeing them battle it out on the court in person was surreal. Watching the young and promising Mirra Andreeva with her coach, the legendary Conchita Martínez by her side has also been such a joy to witness.
I spent my first day watching the Round of 32 (due to rains the previous day) and the Round of 16, making sure to maximize my time by hopping between matches. The level of play, the intensity, and the drama unfolding on court were worth every moment.
Day two saw Mirra beat Iga in a one-sided game. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek was sensationally knocked out in straight sets as Mirra Andreeva made history to book a place in the WTA 1000 semi-final for the first time in her career. The win saw her become the youngest player to reach the final four since the emirate’s tournament first began in 2001. The rest of the quarters followed suit, all ending up in straight sets.
Day 3 finally gave us a contest. Both the semifinals were stretched to the final set. The fact that it’s Mirra Andreeva vs Clara Tauson for the title match reiterates my point of how unpredictable women’s tennis is.
The last few paragraphs have been updated on a daily basis as things unfolded. I didnt manage to get the tickets for the finals, so I watched it on TV. There you have it, the youngest WTA 1000 champion. I am super glad I managed to see this star being born. Only a matter of time before she has a grand slam trophy in her kitty.
Emma Raducanu & The Pressure of Stardom
While the action on court was mesmerising, an unfortunate incident at the round of 32 stage, involving Emma Raducanu highlighted the immense pressure that celebrity players endure, especially women. As someone who has followed tennis for a while (and having worked with stars like Venus Williams, Martina Hingis and Garbiñe Muguruza back in India a decade ago), I understand that scrutiny comes with the territory, but what Emma faced was unnecessary and brutal. Whether it’s social media criticism, constant media pressure, or plain stalking, the spotlight on young female athletes is often harsher and more intrusive than their male counterparts.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/cn4y7d03924o
Raducanu’s situation is a stark reminder that while we celebrate these players for their athletic prowess, they are still human. The psychological toll of instant fame, injuries, and public scrutiny is a story that isn’t talked about enough, and this incident reiterates why we need to have those conversations more openly.
A Well-Organized Event & The Case of Empty Stadiums
A huge shoutout to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship organizers for conducting such a seamless and well-planned event. Everything from the scheduling to the hospitality and overall experience has been top-notch. It’s a shame, though, that many of these matches are played in mostly empty stadiums. The level of tennis on display deserves packed stands, and it’s puzzling why more people don’t show up to watch these incredible athletes compete.
Some of the highlights of the matches I saw live were the match between Rybakina and Badosa; Kessler and Muchova in the round of 16 and the semifinal between Rybakina and Andreeva.
Century Village & The Irish Village – A Perfect Tennis Outing
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship is hosted at the scenic Century Village, a fantastic venue that enhances the overall experience of the tournament. After a long day of tennis (or in between the matches), The Irish Village, located right next to the stadium, is the perfect place to unwind. With its awesome selection of food and beers, it’s a favorite spot for players and fans alike. The lively atmosphere and excellent service make it a must-visit, whether you’re celebrating a thrilling match or simply soaking in the tennis vibes over a pint.
The Unexpected Stars of Dubai 2025
Just when you think you have the WTA all figured out, a tournament like this happens. First, it was Mirra Andreeva, pulling off a straight-sets win over five-time Grand Slam champion and No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek. Then, she followed it up with a comeback victory against No. 6 Elena Rybakina, winning the last five games of the deciding set. Not bad for someone who wasn’t even considered a serious title contender.
Meanwhile, Clara Tauson, the 22-year-old from Denmark, has been on a rampage of her own. She took down World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka earlier in the tournament before outlasting Karolina Muchova in a grueling 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-3 semifinal battle.
But the real story here? Andreeva’s dream run. The teenager has now beaten three former Grand Slam champions—Rybakina, Swiatek, and Marketa Vondrousova. The last time someone this young pulled off something similar? Maria Sharapova, more than two decades ago.
Nobody saw this coming. Not the experts, not the fans, and not even Andreeva herself. And that’s exactly why WTA tennis is so exciting.