She defeated Magda Lynette on her 16th birthday to reach the round of 16 at the WTA 1000 in Madrid. Mirra Andreeva is making a splash at Caja Magica, and the Russian has a match with Aryna Sabalenko (2nd place in the world) ahead.

Mirra Andreeva, match with Aryna Sabalenko in the 1/8 finals of WTA Madrid

Andreeva, who is ranked 194th in the WTA rankings, has already beaten Leila Fernandez (WTA 49th, US Open 2021 finalist), Beatrice Haddad Maya (WTA 14th) and Magda Lynette (WTA 19th) on clay in Madrid and don’t be afraid of Aryna Sabalenko (the best player in the world in 2023).

“When I arrived in Madrid and saw that I was going to meet Leila (Fernandez), I thought it would be fun to play a game and it was my turn to go home early.

My coach told me he booked the hotel until Sunday because he wanted us to have a good week training here no matter what. It’s great to be on tour, I’m really happy to be able to celebrate my 16th birthday like this.

I just don’t know what to say. It’s very emotional what I’m going through. My team keeps telling me to listen to the press and the fans, to enjoy myself, but after an hour I have to focus on the next match, that I have to forget everything that happened and stay on the ground.

I didn’t understand (that he won 16 games in the last 20 days), I’m not tired because I’m doing a great job with my physical trainer. It’s great here, I’m going to celebrate my birthday with my family here and we’re going to a restaurant” – Mirra Andreevaquoted by PuntoDeBreak.

Aryna Sabalenko would like to play at the age of 16, like Mirra Andreeva

Arina Sabalenko was impressed with Mirra and said that she would like to have the level that she saw in the Russian when she was 16 years old.

“Oh, I don’t know what to say. It will be great to compete with a great champion like her, I want to do my best. I did not expect to find myself in such a situation, I want to continue to fight for every ball and give myself on the field.

I don’t go out on the court with any particular plans depending on who my opponent is, I just rely on the fact that I play my tennis and dictate my destiny.

I don’t have much experience, but I consider myself quite mature and calm. Obviously, it was unexpected to beat players of this level, but I’m not surprised by the level of tennis I play” – Mirra Andreeva.

What you need to know about Mirra Andreeva

This year, Andreeva already has 21 wins and won two ITF W60 tournaments in Switzerland: she won in Chiasso (where she also beat Oleksandra Kadants-Ignatic) and in Bellinzona.

The player from Russia has only one loss in 2023: (2)6-7, 6-4, 7-5 against Alina Korneeva (Australian Open junior final).

The WTA Mutua Madrid Open takes place from April 25 to May 7 on clay at the Caja Magica complex. It is in the WTA 1000 category, has a total prize money of US$7,652,174, and the title holder is Ons Jabert. Simona Halep won in 2016 and 2017.