The young Russian Mirra Andreeva, 18, qualifies for the third round of the Australian Open after a victory in 3 sets against the Japanese Moyuka Uchijima. A promising career for this rising star of women’s tennis who admits, however, that she still lacks a little experience. Back to…
Despite her young age, Russian Mirra Andreeva is already making a name for herself on the women’s circuit. At only 18 years old, the one who is presented as one of the greatest hopes of world women’s tennis qualified this Wednesday for the 3rd round of the Australian Open after her victory in three sets (6-4 , 3-6, 7-6) against the Japanese Moyuka Uchijima.
An intense and contested match
Opposed to an opponent she did not know, Mirra Andreeva had to fight hard to win after 2h34 of play. Despite numerous unforced errors (53 in total), the young Russian was able to show tenacity and combativeness to overcome the Japanese, notably in a suspenseful final tie-break.
It’s always complicated to play against an opponent you don’t know. I tried to resist, return the bullets and fight
said Mirra Andreeva after her victory.
Memories of the 2022 edition
Last year, for her first participation in the Australian Open, Mirra Andreeva lost at the same stage of the competition against the Czech Barbora Krejcikova, not without having fought a good battle in three sets. A memory still present in the mind of the young player.
I told myself that this court was cursed and that I never wanted to play it again. I had that in mind throughout the match.
she confided.
But supported by the Australian public, Mirra Andreeva this time was able to find the mental resources to win and continue her journey in Melbourne.
Still significant room for improvement
If her talent is undeniable, Mirra Andreeva is aware that she still has a lot to learn and work to establish herself sustainably at the highest level. The Russian thus admits sometimes lacking experience in certain situations.
I can’t say that I’m super experienced. It comes with age, I think. Sometimes I lack that experience, but it will come naturally.
she analyzes lucidly.
However, the 285th player in the world also feels that her experience, even limited, can already make the difference against less ranked opponents. An advantage on which she intends to capitalize to climb the ladder.
Playing without pressure, the key to success
Like many young players, Mirra Andreeva admits that she sometimes struggles to deal with the pressure and expectations brought about by her performances. To remedy this, she strives to approach each match with a positive and uninhibited state of mind.
I think I play my best tennis when I’m not thinking about the score or the opponent. I try to enjoy the time I spend racket in hand hitting the ball, the sound of the ball, the fans, the sound of my feet on the court. It’s when I get there that I play my best tennis.
underlines the young Russian.
Mirra Andreeva’s next challenges
In the next round, Mirra Andreeva will face another promising young player, the American Coco Gauff, 7th in the world at only 18 years old too. A promising clash of generations between two rising stars destined to reign on the women’s circuit in the years to come.
More generally, the young Russian’s objective is to continue her progress to establish herself permanently in the world top 100 and taste the joys of the big Grand Slams more regularly. With her talent, her combativeness and her room for improvement, Mirra Andreeva in any case has all the cards in hand to achieve this and write the first lines of a career which promises to be exciting to follow.
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