Categories: Sport

Mirra Andreeva celebrated her 16th birthday and another astonishing victory at the Madrid Open

Andreeva is ranked 194th in the world.

Oscar del Pozo/AFP/Getty Images


CNN
 — 

It has been quite the weekend for Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva. On Saturday she celebrated her 16th birthday and also continued her remarkable progress at the Madrid Open.

Andreeva, ranked world No. 194 and a wildcard for the tournament, beat world No. 19 Magda Linette 6-3 6-3 on the clay in Spain.

Earlier in the week, Andreeva had already become the seventh youngest player this century to beat a top 20 player, according to the WTA, beating world No. 14 Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight sets in the second round.

The Russian was runner-up at this year’s junior Australian Open and now has 16 professional wins to her name.

Her next opponent is reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. Victory over Sabalenka, the world No. 2, in the fourth round Monday and the teenager’s name will undoubtedly become more widely known.

The Russian’s rise has been so rapid that she has no picture or biography yet on the WTA website.

“I didn’t expect to be here and playing Sabalenka in the round of 16,” Andreeva told the Tennis Channel, according to the WTA.

“I’m not really surprised with my level, because I know the way I can play on the court … but of course, I didn’t expect to be here and go this far.”

The Russian said she had “nothing to lose” against Sabalenka.

“I just have to go there and show the best tennis I can,” she said. “There is no pressure at all for me.

“There is some pressure on her, I think, because she’s going to play a 16-year-old girl. Most probably, we will play on some stadium, so I’m excited to do that.”

Share

Recent Posts

Biden brings up Islamophobia amid the worst antisemitism outbreak in decades

President Biden broke his silence and condemned violent protests shaking college campuses across the U.S.…

1 min ago

FLASHBACK: Biden confidante made revealing admission about Obama DOJ in unearthed interview

FIRST ON FOX: A former U.S. senator and longtime political confidante of President Biden openly…

45 mins ago

VP Stakes: Trump meeting with potential running mates this weekend

Former President Donald Trump moves from the courtroom in New York City to the banquet…

45 mins ago

NY v Trump: Remaining alleged gag order violations hang in balance as trial resumes

Former President Trump’s unprecedented trial in Manhattan resumes for its 11th day on Friday, when…

56 mins ago

Mexican cops find tents, question people in the case of 2 Australians, 1 American missing in Baja

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for May 2 Fox News Flash top headlines…

7 hours ago

EU announces 1 billion euros in aid for Lebanon amid a surge in irregular migration

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for May 2 Fox News Flash top headlines…

9 hours ago