16-year-old Mirra Andreeva came up with one of the most dominant performances of her nascent career as she decimated World No. 6 Ons Jabeur and progressed to the third round of the Australian Open 2024. it was her first win over a top 10 opponent on the WTA tour and Mirra got the job done in just 54 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, January 17.
Mirra Andreeva looked calm and composed on the biggest stage as she reeled winner after winner to knock Ons Jabeur out of her gear. The Tunisian star held her serve only once as Mirra was ruthless and flawless during her straight-set win. Mirra won 85 percent points on first serve as the Russian teenage prodigy sent out a strong message to the rest of the field. In her fourth Grand Slam main draw appearance since making her debut at last year’s French Open, Mirra produced one of the biggest upsets of the Australian Open so far.
Australian Open 2024: Day 4 Updates
Mirra Andreeva cracked up the crowd, winning hearts with her on-court interview, saying she was only focused on enjoying her only second match at the iconic Rod Laver Arena. Notably, Mirra played the girls singles final at the court at Australian Open 2023 and finished runner-up.
“I just feel like I’m a bit more mature,” Mirra said when asked what had changed over the last one year. When the presenter highlighted that she is only 16, Mirra cracked up the crowd with her response.
“That’s true. But last year, I was 15,” she said.
Mirra Andreeva, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last year to catch the attention of the tennis world, said she was surprised by the way she dominated her ‘idol’ Ons Jabeur in the first set.
Mirra bageld Ons Jabeur for 6-0 win in the first set before racing past the finish line. Mirra conceded that she was a bit nervous before getting on the court, but it did not look like it when she hit those winners at will.
“I was really nervous before the match because I I am really inspired by the way she plays,” Mirra said.
“Before I started to play on the WTA Tour I always watched her matches, and now I got the chance to play against her. Honestly, in the first set, I played amazing tennis; I didn’t expect that from myself,” she added.
It was a good day for Russian youngsters as 20-year-old Mari Timofeeva stunned former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, producing a sensational comeback after she was a set and a break down.
