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Mirra Andreeva belongs in the year-end No. 1 conversation, and the Race math backs it up

Mirra Andreeva needed two tie-breaks and a moment of real danger to beat Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(4), 7-6(3) on Thursday and reach the China Open semifinal.

Yardbarker

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 12:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Yardbarker argues Mirra Andreeva is a legitimate contender for the year-end No. 1 ranking based on WTA Race math.
Andreeva advanced to the China Open semifinals after defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(4), 7-6(3).
Current Race leader Elena Rybakina withdrew from the Wuhan Open due to a foot injury.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Mirra Andreeva advanced to the China Open semifinals by defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(4), 7-6(3), securing her 49th victory of 2026. With early exits in Beijing for WTA Race leaders Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, Andreeva has built a mathematical path to challenge for the year-end No. 1 ranking.

Rybakina's foot injury and withdrawal from the upcoming Wuhan Open have opened the door for both Andreeva and Sabalenka to cut the ranking deficit. Yardbarker notes that strong finishes in Beijing, Wuhan, and the WTA Finals in Indian Wells make Andreeva a legitimate contender for the top spot.

Read the full article on Yardbarker

Mirra Andreeva belongs in the year-end No. 1 conversation, and the Race math backs it up

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