Mirra Andreeca might only be 17 years old but she already has a wealth of experience when it comes to her next opponent at the Australian Open – world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.
The Russian 14th seed is through to the last 16 in Melbourne for the second year running after disposing of Poland’s Magdalena Fręch 6-2, 1-6, 6-2, on Friday. Becoming only the third woman in the past 30 years to reach back-to-back fourth rounds at the Australian Open before their 18th birthday. The others to do so were Martina Hingis and Nicola Vaidisova.
Andreeva’s reward is a showdown with two-time champion Sabalenka in what will be their fifth Tour-level meeting since 2023 and their second of the year. Earlier this month at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka dropped only five games during her 6-3, 6-2, win.
“Honestly, I’m so tired of playing against her. I played her four or five times already. So, yeah, it’s a lot. What can I say? Here we are again,” Andreeva said during her press conference.
“I know that it’s going to be an entertaining match, and of course, I’m going to do everything possible. I’m going to give my best. I think it’s going to be interesting to watch.”
The first and only time their rivalry has featured a three-set match was in the quarter-finals of the French Open last year when Andreeva was ousted in a closely contested encounter. However, that encounter was on the clay which she admits is a completely different ball game.
“I would say that playing her on a clay court and a hard court is a completely different match,” she explained.
“Playing her on a clay court is, I would say, a bit easier. Of course on the hard courts, like here in Melbourne, I would say that for me is one of the fastest hard courts.
“This is not going to be easy. We’re just gonna see if I can handle the pressure and everything that’s gonna happen.”
Despite her young age, Andreeva continues to take the high expectations placed on her shoulders in her stride. Currently ranked 15th in the world, she has one WTA 250 title to her name and reached the final of another WTA 500 event last year. Furthermore, she has reached the last 16 in three out of the last five Grand Slam events she has played.
Andreeva’s talent has also been recognized by her peers. In a WTA video published earlier this year, the majority of players named her as the person who will break into the top 10 in 2025.
“I was pretty surprised that a lot of people said my name,” she admits.
“I don’t feel any pressure about this. I’m sure that it’s a matter of time until I’m in the top 10.
“I have a lot of points to defend this year, so we’re gonna see. It’s pretty interesting for me to see how I can deal with that pressure, but when everyone is saying, ‘Okay, she’s gonna be top 10.”
This year’s Australian Open is the first time Andreeva is seeded in the top 16 at a major event.