After the sensational victory, schoolwork follows: child prodigy Andrejewa also studies chemistry in Melbourne

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As fresh and bold as Mirra Andrejewa presents herself on the field, she also presents herself off it. After her sensational 6-0, 6-2 victory over world number six Ons Jabeur, the young Russian once again proves why press conferences with her are always well attended. The interview after their participation in the third round provides the best entertainment:

Speaker Laura Robson: «A year ago you played the junior final here (and lost, editor). What has changed for you in the past twelve months? You’ve improved your game a lot. Do you think that as well?”

Andreeva: “No. I just feel a little more grown up.”

Robson: “You’re only 16.”

Andreeva: “That’s correct. But last year I was fifteen.”

The whole Rod Laver Arena is laughing. Then Andrejeva adds with a smile that you can see her maturity on the field. Which the world number 46 is of course right. Opponent and co-favorite of the tournament Jabeur shows her every trick. The first set lasted only twenty (!) minutes, which amounted to an absolute humiliation for the three-time Tunisian Grand Slam finalist.

After her breakthrough last year, Andrejewa surprised again at the Australian Open. With, above all, a resounding victory over her idol. But she won’t imagine anything, the teenager emphasizes. Because there are plenty of things that remind them to stay grounded. The school, for example, about which Andrejeva shrugs at the press conference: “It started again two days ago. I still don’t like chemistry. However, I now have to work a lot for it again.”

Moreover, her coach is very careful that she does not become a ‘diva’, as she emphasized at Roland Garros last year. And there is also a passage in the WTA rulebook that, at her age, only allows Andrejewa to play twelve professional tournaments in her 17th year.

She wants to hunt Djokovic

When asked whether she was affected by this restriction, she replied: “Those are the rules.” She tries not to think too much about her ranking. Her goal is simply to ‘climb higher and higher’. Last year she announced her plans, even if it was only half in jest. At the start of the French Open she said: “How many Grand Slam titles does Djokovic have? 22? Then 25 is my goal.”

Well, Djokovic already has 24 under his belt. It is not known whether this will result in Andrejewa’s goal being adjusted.

Source : Blick