16-year-old Mirra Andreeva achieves Grand Slam dream: "When I was a kid I remember Rafa against Federer"

WTA
Thursday, 25 May 2023 at 21:30
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Mirra Andreeva reminisced about watching Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the French Open.
The 16-year-old Russian secured her first Grand Slam main draw by defeating top-seeded Camila Osorio Serrano in the final round of qualifying. In a tough first set, Mirra Andreeva won the tiebreak 10-8 and stayed strong in the second set to close out the match 7-6(8), 6-4.
Andreeva was one of the surprises at the Madrid Open, reaching the round of 16 where she was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka, and she claimed notable victories along the way, including Leylah Fernandez, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Magda Linette.
The young athlete stated that she grew up watching the Grand Slam tournaments, especially the matches between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
鈥淥f course. When I was a kid watching the TV I remember Rafa against Federer. I was cheering for Roger," said world No.143.
"I watched every Grand Slam, all the time growing up. This is a dream to be here. I played juniors last year, this is just amazing," she said.
Andreeva played in the junior tournament at Roland Garros last season and reached the quarterfinals. According to the Russian player, there are significant differences between the junior tour and the professional tour.
"After the juniors I didn't really think I could do something like this, but I was just working, working more, fighting in practice, fighting in tournaments and here I am," stated Andreeva.
"The difference between the juniors and the women's tour is pretty big. In juniors you can let yourself relax for a little bit, if you have the better level. But here you have to fight for every point. No one will give you anything in any match."

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