"I don't want to play on that court again" - Mirra Andreeva speaks out on 'cursed' tennis court at Australian Open

Rising WTA star Mirra Andreeva secured her spot into the third round at the 2025 Australian Open, but did so despite playing on a court which had painful memories for the Russian.

The 17-year old recorded a 6-4 3-6 7-6 victory over Japan's Moyuka Uchijima in the second round. The duo battled it out on Court 3, a venue that Andreeva does not hold dear to her heart.

Andreeva had faced France's Diane Parry on the same court at last year's Australian Open. The Russian prevailed in three sets, however, the encounter was so intense that Andreeva resorted to biting her own arm at points during the match.

With the clash leaving mental and physical scars on the rising star, she was quick to admit her discomfort on playing on that court again at this year's event.

"Honestly, the only thing I had on my mind is ‘this court is cursed’ and ‘I don’t want to play on that court again’", said Andreeva after her victory over Uchijima on Tuesday. "I had this thought during the whole match. I tried not to think about it, but it was still there. I had the thought that ‘this stupid court, it’s all because of this court.
"In the end on the tie-break, I was freaking nervous. But I’m so happy in the end I managed to win the match.
"I just try to enjoy the time when my racquet hits the ball, the sound, the support from people, the sound when I move my legs. I just try to focus on those things, on real things that happen during the match. That’s when I play my best tennis."

Andreeva will face Poland's Magdalena Frech in the third round.