“I want to thank myself again”: Mirra Andreeva’s winning ritual continues in Linz
WTAMonday, 13 April 2026 at 00:30
Top seed Mirra Andreeva completed a controlled recovery to defeat Anastasia Potapova 1–6, 6–4, 6–3 and claim the Upper Austria Ladies Linz title, securing her second WTA trophy of the 2026 season and the fifth of her career. The result lifts the 18-year-old to World No. 9.
Andreeva’s week in Linz began with uncertainty. She entered the main draw at the last moment via wildcard, yet finished it fulfilling expectations as the top seed. Despite limited preparation time and late inclusion, she navigated the draw with consistency, reinforcing a pattern that has defined her 2026 season.
The final reflected that trajectory. Potapova, champion here in 2023, dictated the opening set 6–1, but Andreeva adjusted progressively from the baseline. She reduced errors, extended rallies and took control of key moments, breaking twice in the deciding set after a 3–3 scoreline.
Andreeva closed the match in one hour and 54 minutes, finishing with 32 winners to 35 unforced errors, while Potapova recorded 30 winners and 42 unforced errors. The win improves her head-to-head to 3–1, including three consecutive victories, and extends her 2026 record to 18–6.
Self-recognition and adaptability define Andreeva’s match management
Andreeva’s post-match speech again centred on process rather than outcome, reinforcing a message she has repeated after previous titles this season. Her focus remained on resilience and problem-solving within matches.
“Just like a tradition now for me, I want to thank myself today again for fighting until the end, for trying to find solutions, for never stopping and believing until the end that maybe somehow I can turn it around," the world No. 10 said. "I think it paid off today as well. So last thanks goes to myself.”
Her ability to manage matches without peak level continues to separate her from peers at a similar stage. Andreeva now holds a 5–1 record in WTA finals and remains undefeated (9–0) against players ranked outside the Top 50 this season.
Adjusted team setup and upcoming clay swing
Andreeva competed in Linz without Conchita Martínez in her player box, with the Spaniard not travelling for this event. The expectation is that Martínez will rejoin the team in Madrid in two weeks, a key moment ahead of the clay swing.
Despite that absence, Andreeva highlighted the stability of her immediate support structure, referencing both her coach and family environment during the week. “Thanks to my dad, who was also here with me, supporting me every day, bringing lunch and dinner to my room because I was lazy to go out.”
“Thanks to Alexey for being here with me as a fitness coach, tennis coach, hitting partner, sometimes even a mental coach as well.”
She also acknowledged the tournament environment and its role in her performance. “It’s my first time in Linz, first time playing this tournament, and a lot of you guys made this tournament feel very cozy.”
Andreeva now moves to the Stuttgart Open as the sixth seed, where she will face Jelena Ostapenko in the opening round. Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros follow, offering a more demanding stretch against top-level opposition.
Mirra Andreeva – Path to the Linz 2026 title (WTA 500)
| Round | Opponent | Ranking (Opponent) | Score |
| Final | Anastasia Potapova | No. 97 | 1–6, 6–4, 6–3 |
| Semifinal | Elena-Gabriela Ruse | No. 87 | 6–4, 6–1 |
| Quarterfinal | Sorana Cirstea | No. 29 | 7–6(4), 4–6, 6–2 |
| Round of 16 | Sloane Stephens | No. 552 | 6–4, 6–2 |
| Round of 32 | BYE | — | — |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Bonker Becker's opinion aside... Pro Tennis had better get on te DNA Testing bandwagon before other sports carry that torch and appear to force the WTA's hand in this matter!
- BJK Cup is no longer what it once was in the Big Picture of tennis. Time to retire it?
- Enough of this "legend". Put her out to pasture.
- Any media repeating whatever comes out of Gibert's mouth is unworthy. He's a known nutcase!!
- Strange coming from someone who has had only one MTO her entire career... and that was last season. Perhaps the pressure of potentially losing 5 Stuttgart Finals in a row was too much to bear?
- Wow! Someone of note who hasn't "coached" Raducanu yet!!
- Retire now and save yourself more embarrassment...
- Nobody wanted to practice with Condescending Collins? Gee... why would that be?
- WTF is this doing in a sports report???
- In what Universe do we care what Condescending Collins has to say? Tennis Channel has lost its collective mind as well... how gross it is they put her on TV -- and talking! Adios, Tennis Channel. Very few viewers want to endure that average-at-best coverage anymore.
Loading