As the red clay beckons its competitors for the final time this season, a Russian rising star, Mirra Andreeva, aims to solidify her place on one of tennis’s grandest stages. The women’s tour has had this prodigal talent grace it since 2022, and now, at a mere 17 years old, she is through to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament.
Mirra Andreeva in 2023
In 2023, Andreeva received her first wild card at the Madrid Open in the main draw of a WTA 1000 event. It was at this tournament that she won her first WTA tour match against Leyla Fernandez. She made her Grand Slam debut at the French Open the same year, qualifying for the main draw. She reached the third round for the first time at a Major tournament, after defeating Diane Parry in straight sets 6-1 6-2. In the third round, she faced Coco Gauff. Andreeva took the first set 7-6, but the American clawed her way back, with her backhand being her most formidable weapon. Gauff 17 backhand winners and taking the remaining sets 6-1 6-1. Despite this loss, the Russian displayed that she could handle Grand Slam pressure.
She also attempted a deep run at Wimbledon. After qualifying, she stormed her way through to the Round of 16, becoming the youngest player to reach this milestone since Coco Gauff in 2019.
In the fourth round, she faced Madison Keys. Andreeva won the first set, but Keys fought back to take the second. As the match began to slip away from her fingers, her emotions fought to the surface. In frustration, she hurled her racket after losing the second set. During a changeover in the third set, she was in tears and visibly exasperated as Keys saved a breakpoint to reach 5-2. The worst came in the final game; at deuce, Andreeva stumbled on the baseline and seemed to throw her racket onto the grass. The umpire issued a second warning, translating into a point penalty, handing the match point to Keys. The Russian had implored to the referee that she had slipped but the decision stood. Andreeva ended up losing the match 3-6, 7-6, 6-2. Despite her struggles with emotions, she demonstrated resilience and determination.
At the US Open, she advanced to the second round before facing Coco Gauff once more, losing in straight sets 6-3 6-2.
More Strides in 2024
In 2024, she started off strong in Brisbane, Australia, reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament. At the Australian Open, she defeated Bernada Pera and Ons Jabeur to advance to the third round in her debut at this Major. Defeating sixth seed Jabeur was her first Top 10 win, handing the Tunisian a first-set bagel and beating her in the second set 6-2. Andreeva faced Parry again in the third round of the tournament, and after dropping the first set, she came back to win the match 1-6 6-1 7-6. She then faced No. 9 seed, Barbora Krejčíková, in the subsequent round. The Czech player ended Andreeva’s run in the tournament, winning the match 4-6 6-3, 6-2.
At the French Open this year, she has had a remarkable run, taking wins against Emina Bektas, Victoria Azarenka, and Peyton Stearns. On Monday’s fourth round against Varvara Gracheva, she triumphed once more, defeating the French player in straight sets 7-5 6-2.
Despite the challenges and emotions that arise when competing in the upper echelons of the sport, Andreeva has proven her potential and resilience. She is set to compete in her maiden quarterfinal at Roland-Garros in only her fifth Grand Slam appearance. Andreeva will face Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
