Across the southern barrios of Madrid, the 15-year-old Mirra Andreeva persevered to command consideration on her debut on the Madrid Open as she adopted up her maiden WTA victory in opposition to Leylah Fernandez by way of toppling Beatriz Haddad Maia, the arena No 14, 7- 6 (6), 6-3 to succeed in the 3rd spherical.
Andreeva, a Russian participant who was once born in Siberia however lives in Cannes, is best the 7th participant beneath 16 years previous within the twenty first century to defeat a most sensible 20 participant. The victory continues some of the spectacular breakout seasons this yr.
Since narrowly shedding within the Australian Open women ultimate, Andreeva has gained each and every skilled fit she has performed in 2023 and gained a wildcard into Madrid after successful two consecutive ITF tournaments. Currently ranked 194, Andreeva will upward thrust to a brand new occupation top of a minimum of 164. She could also be the youngest of 2 enjoying siblings: her 18-year-old sister, Erika, is ranked 114th and at the verge of the highest 100.
“I’m a bit surprised [to be in the third round] but also everyone was telling me they are playing the same level as you, they are just more consistent,” Andreeva told WTA Insider. “Their mental level is different but the game-level is almost the same.”
Andy Murray’s poor run of form continued as he was beaten in the first round of the Madrid Open by Andrea Vavassori, an Italian qualifier ranked 164, losing 6–2, 7–6 (7). While Murray started the match poorly the Italian served well, with the Scot rushing the net as he quickly found himself down a set and a break. Despite his poor level throughout, Murray still had the chance to force a third set after recovering the second set break and pushing Vavassori to a tie-break.
From 3-6 down in the tie-break, Murray saved three match points and then put himself in a brilliant position at 6-6, sweeping to the net and finding an open court to finish the point. Instead, he dumped a backhand volley into the net. Shortly after Vavassori closed out the match.
“You most definitely would have made that,” stated Murray to a reporter, smiling. “No disrespect to your tennis abilities, but I mean it’s not a shot that top players should be missing. Bad miss.
After a positive start to the season, Murray’s form has flatlined. Over the past six weeks he has lost four matches, and eight sets, in succession. Despite a variety of views within his team, however, Murray says he would like to play at the French Open, possibly for the last time.
“I would like to play just purely because I don’t know if I’ll get another opportunity to play again,” he stated. “Whilst I believe are compatible and wholesome, I want to give it a pass. But, yeah, I even have ambitions of competing for Wimbledon titles and that kind of stuff. I do know that sitting right here these days most definitely does not sound life like, however I do imagine that that is an opportunity. I clearly need to do the proper factor there.”
