Russia’s young tennis star Mirra Andreeva has received high praise from the likes of Tim Henman and Laura Robson after producing the biggest upset of the Australian Open 2023.
The 16-year-old defeated the current world number six Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in straight sets with a score of 6-0, 6-2.
Following that result, Robson heaped praise on Andreeva who was just ‘flawless’ against three-time Grand Slam runner-up.
"Her biggest weapon was her composure today because yes, the scoreline wasn’t very close and she could have maybe got nervous had it been tighter," she said. "She never let it affect her. She was ripping backhands and she’s such a great mover that she’s always able to come through the longer rallies. She was willing to open up the lines so early that Ons always felt like she was on the back foot.
"Two things were true: Mirra played a great match, flawless from start to finish, and also Ons looked a little undercooked. It wasn’t a good combination, especially for Jabeur, having not played a lead-up tournament, I felt like that was really obvious, but you have to give full credit to Andreeva, she played amazing."
2 - Mirra Andreeva is now the second-youngest player in the Open Era to concede three games or fewer vs a top-10 seed in the women's singles at a Grand Slam, after Jelena Dokic - Wimbledon R128 1999. Whoosh. #AusOpen | @AustralianOpen @WTA @WTA_insider
On the other hand, Henman was full of praise for Andreeva and predicted that the 16-year-old could produce more upsets in the near future.
"It was hardly a contest,” he said. “Jabeur’s been playing so well, she’s been in three Slam finals, but we know the capabilities of Andreeva already. Only 16, she’s had some really good results in the Slams, and to come out on that stage and take apart a top 10 player in that type of fashion speaks volumes about not only her game, but her mentality and her belief to really destroy her. So she’s definitely one to watch out in this tournament and for many, many more years in the future."
