manila game Qatar Open 2025: Mirra Andreeva Survives Katie Volynets Scare In Opening Round

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. (More Tennis News)
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.
WTA Qatar Open 2025: Live Streaming, Draw, Schedule, Prize Money - All You Need To KnowAndreeva 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.
"I really missed the semi-final because of the one-match suspension. It was such a crucial match," the 31-year-old India's defensive mainstay told PTI in an exclusive interview during the team's felicitation at the India House here on Saturday.
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 victoryMirra 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, 2025Data 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 bestmanila game, Andreeva did enough to progress to the next round, but knows she must improve if she is to lift the title in Qatar.