VIDEO. Unexpected final in Dubai. Sensational exit of Swiatek, defeat of Cirstea

February 23 saw the semifinal matches at the WTA 1000 hardcourt tournament in Dubai, UAE.

The world's number one player, Iga Swiatek, unexpectedly lost to qualifier Anna Kalinskaya, who competed with a neutral status.

The encounter concluded in two sets lasting 1 hour and 42 minutes. It marked their first direct clash.

The finalist from the bottom half of the draw also brought a surprise. Jasmine Paolini, whose preferred surface is clay, advanced by defeating Sorana Cirstea. However, it became evident that an unexpected player would reach the final after Elena Rybakina withdrew from her quarterfinal match against Jasmine due to injury.

Kalinskaya and Paolini have previously faced each other twice, with the head-to-head tied at 1-1. The final is scheduled for February 24 at 16:30 Kiev time.

WTA 1000 Dubai. Hardcourt. Semifinals

Iga Swiatek - Anna Kalinskaya - 4:6, 4:6
Jasmine Paolini - Sorana Cirstea - 6:2, 7:6 (8:6)

Video review of the Swiatek - Kalinskaya match

Video review of the Paolini - Cirstea match.