CNN
—
It has been fairly the weekend for Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva. On Saturday she celebrated her sixteenth birthday and likewise continued her outstanding progress on the Madrid Open.
Andreeva, ranked world No. 194 and a wildcard for the event, beat world No. 19 Magda Linette 6-3 6-3 on the clay in Spain.
Earlier within the week, Andreeva had already develop into the seventh youngest participant this century to beat a high 20 participant, in response to the WTA, beating world No. 14 Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight units within the second spherical.
The Russian was runner-up at this 12 months’s junior Australian Open and now has 16 skilled wins to her title.
Her subsequent opponent is reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. Victory over Sabalenka, the world No. 2, within the fourth spherical Monday and {the teenager}’s title will undoubtedly develop into extra broadly identified.
The Russian’s rise has been so speedy that she has no image or biography but on the WTA web site.
“I didn’t count on to be right here and taking part in Sabalenka within the spherical of 16,” Andreeva advised the Tennis Channel, in response to the WTA.
“I’m not likely stunned with my degree, as a result of I understand how I can play on the courtroom … however after all, I didn’t count on to be right here and go this far.”
The Russian stated she had “nothing to lose” in opposition to Sabalenka.
“I simply need to go there and present one of the best tennis I can,” she stated. “There isn’t a strain in any respect for me.
“There’s some strain on her, I feel, as a result of she’s going to play a 16-year-old woman. Likely, we’ll play on some stadium, so I’m excited to do this.”
