Mirra Andreeva ended her Madrid Open run with Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed showing her power and experience to prevail 6-3, 6-1 on Monday afternoon and the 16-year-old was left thinking what could've been.
Andreeva spoke afterwards and said she spurned chances so was 'upset' as a result but praised Sabalenka, despite getting her birthday wrong which is this Friday.
“Of course I’m a little bit upset because in the beginning it was close and I had a lot of game points and break points so if I could, let’s say, realise them then the score could be 6-2 in the first.
“But I didn’t, she played really well, she’s playing aggressive tennis. She certainly did a good job today, so congrats to her. I think it’s her birthday today, so it’s a good present for her.”
But what is next for Andreeva? A break after playing many ITF tournaments en route in recent weeks so Rome is out the question but the next stop will likely be a WTA 125 in Florence followed by attempting to play Roland Garros.
ARYNA ROARS! 💥 Aryna Sabalenka prevailed with her strength and experience, ending the dream of Mirra Andreeva (6-3 6-1), who did a great job reaching the round of 16 and deserves a big round of applause! 👏 In the quarterfinals, the Belarusian will face Mayar Sherif! 👀
