Mixed fortunes for Russian youngsters: Mirra Andreeva advances, Diana Shnaider falls to Donna Vekic in epic clash

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.

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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).

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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.

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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?

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