Eighteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva was made to work hard by Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse to reach her third consecutive fourth round in Melbourne, prevailing 6–3 6–4 on Rod Laver Arena.
After a dominant first set, it appeared likely that the Russian would prove too much for Ruse. But a wild second set followed, featuring five consecutive breaks of serve as the world No. 79 refused to bow out without a fight.
Andreeva was eventually able to hold off her stubborn opponent, clinching a victory that will satisfy her with the level of competitiveness and composure she displayed.
The first three games of the opening set were an absolute battle, with Andreeva somehow fending off four break points over her two service games to go 2-1 ahead.
The following two games went with serve before Ruse switched off and Andreeva punished the Romanian, breaking to love for a 4–2 lead. Sensing the shift in momentum, the Russian powered through her remaining service games, holding to love to clinch the opening set.
The opening two games of the second set went with serve before the match descended into surreal territory, as neither player seemed able to close out a service game, with five breaks of serve in a row exchanged. That run included a marathon nine-minute fifth game, which ultimately saw Andreeva emerge with the break.
After breaking once more to move 4–3 ahead, Mirra Andreeva kept her opponent at arm’s length, holding serve to stand one game away from the fourth round.
Ruse held serve to keep the pressure on Andreeva, but the Russian soon had cause for delight, earning match point before getting over the line when Ruse misjudged a volley and sent it into the net.
After her victory, Andreeva spoke on court, acknowledging the crowd and marking her seventh appearance in the fourth round of a major.
“Thank you guys for staying so late. In the end I got a little bit tight, I started to play passive.
“I’m super proud of myself. I’m learning how to appreciate myself more and give myself more credit. It’s a good statistic, it’s very nice to hear.”
Andreeva will face Ukrainian 12th seed Elina Svitolina in the fourth round.
