Youngster Mirra Andreeva is making an impression in Madrid. The 15-year-old has stunned 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez and 13th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Mirra Andreeva shines in Madrid
Young Russian Mirra Andreeva is making a name for herself in Madrid. The 15-year-old was granted a wild card for the clay court event, and would not have been expected to defeat 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez. However, Andreeva started out as she meant to go on. Taking the match to the Canadian, Andreeva looked right at home on the red dirt.
Bearly 24 hours later the 15-year-old was at it again. This time she was against the 13th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia. The Brazilian forced a tiebreak in the first set, but the young Russian edged through. From there Andreeva found her game more and secured a break of serve which gave the 15-year-old the match in straight sets.
Andreeva is playing as a neutral, as Russians and Belarussians have to, as a result of the war in Ukraine. The 15-year-old on beating the Brazilian became the seventh-youngest player since 2000 to beat a Top 20 ranked opponent before the age of 16.
A wild card for Roland Garros and Wimbledon are very likely. With clay looking like the favorite surface for Andreeva, an appearance at the French Open must be on the cards. A wild card in to the main draw would be very much deserved.
Andreeva is a prospect for the future. Providing she looks after her health, the 15-year-old should go a long way on the professional tour. Another seeded scalp is there for the taking in the next round in Madrid as Andreeva takes on Magda Linette.
Keep an eye out for Mirra Andreeva going forward, as the 15-year-old continues to make a name for herself on the WTA tour. Grand slam performances and maybe even titles are not that far away for the young Russian. Linette is another challenge, but Andreeva has nothing to lose and definitely nothing to prove.
Main Photo Credit: Matthias Hauer/GEPA via USA TODAY Sports
