16-year-old writes tennis fairy tales in Madrid

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The Madrid «Caja Magica», the magic box, lives up to its name. The Masters tournament caused a sensation on the women’s tableau. Her name is Mirra Andreeva, she comes from Siberia and delights fans with brutal, spectacular performances. On Saturday, her 16th birthday, she celebrated her participation in the round of 16 with a 6: 3, 6: 3 victory over Polish Australian Open semifinalist Magna Linette (31).

The super talent, who received a wildcard for Madrid, previously defeated former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez (20) and world number 14 Beatriz Haddad Maia (26).

The tennis world marvels at the carefree nature of the Krasnoyarsk prodigy. Andreeva plays on the big stage of the ATP 1000 tournament as if it were the most normal thing in the world. “I didn’t have a game plan, I just wanted to play my game,” she told Linette after her coup – before rewarding herself with a nice birthday dinner with the family.

“I have a lot of feelings right now”

Andreeva smiles with embarrassment during the media round, she did not expect such a journalistic march: “How am I? I have a lot of feelings at the moment. But it’s great.”

The Russian is still undefeated this year, she first won the ITF tournament in Chiasso TI, then the one in Bellinzona TI. To then try their luck directly in Madrid – and now have a match year statistic of 16:0 wins. After her recent successes, the teen has already been traded as the “next Maria Sharapova”. Andreeva’s compatriot, who retired in 2020, was also very successful very early on, triumphing at Wimbledon at the age of 17.

Sabalenka a size too big?

Andreeva shows all the necessary self-confidence for the next exploits. She could not have expected the successes in Madrid, she says, but she was not surprised: “I know how to play.”

Now a huge hurdle awaits in the eighth finals with the number two in the world Aryna Sabalenka (24). Andreeva hopes for the next sensation, but first she has to go to the reception of her accommodation. She had only booked the hotel in Madrid until Sunday, thinking she would be out early. But the duel with Sabalenka will take place on Monday.

Source : Blick