Mixed fortunes for Russian youngsters: Mirra Andreeva advances, Diana Shnaider falls to Donna Vekic in epic clash
ATP
Donna Vekic triumphed over Diana Shnaider in one of the day’s best matches at the Australian Open, with both showcasing their finest skills. Ultimately, the Croatian’s experience prevailed (7-6, 6-7, 7-5). Shortly after, teenager Mirra Andreeva worked hard to overcome a determined Magdalena Frech (6-2, 1-6, 6-2), earning a spot in the fourth round of the Australian Open for the second consecutive year.
Vekic overcomes Shnaider in three-hour-battle
The clash began with Shnaider (No. 13) at a high level, breaking early to take a quick 2-0 lead. However, Vekic (No. 19) promptly responded, breaking back in her first opportunity to level the score at 2-2. Both players displayed strong serving games, offering few opportunities for their opponent to capitalise.
Only one additional break point was played in the set (saved by Shnaider in the 7th game), and the two held serve until the tiebreak. Under pressure, Shnaider led 4-2 with a mini-break, but the Croatian took risks with her shots and reeled off five consecutive points to claim the set 7-6(4).
The second set followed a similar pattern, with the 20-year-old Russian breaking early to lead 2-0. However, neither player consistently held serve, leading to a flurry of breaks. While Shnaider edged ahead multiple times, Vekic quickly clawed back. Unforced errors proved costly for the Croatian in the set’s final stages, and Shnaider closed it out with a solid performance, winning 7-6(3).
The battle continued into a decisive third set, with neither player gaining an early advantage as they held serve confidently. Shnaider secured a break to lead 5-3 and served for the match but appeared to feel the pressure. Vekic capitalised, producing her best tennis to reel off four consecutive games, including two breaks, to seal a hard-fought victory 7-6, 6-7, 7-5.
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Andreeva overcomes setback to beat Frech
Mirra Andreeva delivered another display of courage and quality tennis at the Australian Open, overcoming difficult moments against the gritty Magdalena Frech. The first set began perfectly for the 17-year-old, who broke early to take a swift 3-0 lead.
The Russian dominated the opening phase, winning 85% of points on her first serve and 64% on her second, with 10 winners compared to just two from Frech. Andreeva secured the set 6-2, seemingly poised for a straightforward victory.
However, the second set brought frustration for Andreeva as errors crept into her game. Frech grew increasingly comfortable and confident on the court, breaking early to establish a commanding 4-0 lead. The Polish player controlled the set, winning it 6-1 as Andreeva struggled to find answers to her opponent’s solid baseline play.
The third set began with both players exchanging early breaks before Frech began to show signs of fatigue. In the 5th game, a remarkable 32-shot rally ended with Andreeva securing the decisive break. This time, Andreeva adapted her approach, showing patience and working longer points instead of rushing to hit winners. The teenager controlled the rest of the match, closing out a 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 victory to solidify her status as a promising contender.
Andreeva’s next challenge will be none other than the two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. Can the Russian teenager upset the World No. 1?
If at first you don't succeed...
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2025
Mirra Andreeva is two games away from the fourth round.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/Fv9yUUe6Ml
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
