"I’ve never lost on my birthday here in Madrid": Soon-to-be 19 Mirra Andreeva looks to continue streak without wild celebrations
WTATuesday, 28 April 2026 at 22:30
Mirra Andreeva powered her way into the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after a hard-fought 7-6, 6-3 victory over Leylah Fernandez, producing a composed and tactically sharp performance under pressure.
Speaking after the match to Tennis Channel, Andreeva admitted she had to work her way into the contest after a slow start against an aggressive opponent at the Madrid Open.
“Honestly, I felt like I started pretty slow and she was doing well taking time away from me. She started pretty aggressive, so it was a slow start, but I’m just happy that after I realised that I actually have to move my legs, stay lower and really do something on the court, then it went my way for a couple of games.”
The opening set proved to be a turning point, with Andreeva showing resilience in key moments, saving multiple break points and edging a tense tiebreak.
“It was a great fight in the first set. She was very close to taking it, so I’m super happy that I was able to save a lot of break points, some set points as well, and also very happy with how brave I was in the tiebreak. I really went for my shots.”
Her ability to deliver under pressure was reflected in the numbers, saving 12 of 15 break points, and she felt her game plan was executed effectively.
“As I said yesterday, my plan was to have fewer double faults and be more aggressive and go for my shots, which I think we can put a check on.”
Facing a left-hander in Fernandez, Andreeva also highlighted the tactical adjustments she made, particularly in dealing with spin in the Madrid altitude.
“I was just trying to make her life a little bit more complicated as well, because I can also put some spin on my shots. I thought if she does that to me, I’ll try to do the same. It doesn’t feel very nice, so I figured it probably doesn’t feel nice for her either. I just tried to kind of annoy her with the way I was playing.”
Mentally, the ninth seed showed noticeable improvement, something she had targeted heading into the match.
“Yes, I was really trying to play aggressive, go for my shots and be super pumped from the first point. It didn’t quite go according to plan, but I’m happy that I was able to turn it around. After some time I was able to step in and do the things I was supposed to do. But also, it’s better late than never.”
Birthday halted as usual
Another area of focus has been her on-court demeanour, with Andreeva working to maintain a more controlled body language throughout matches.
“I think it’s important for every player. Opponents can feel and see things, so I’ve been trying not to show a lot. I know I feel it when my opponent is down or negative, and then I feel like I have to push and make her life even more complicated. So I’ve been trying to have that stone face. I don’t know if it worked, but I felt like it was much better than in some other matches here.”
With a semi-final clash ahead, Andreeva’s focus now briefly shifts to her birthday, although celebrations will remain low-key due to her schedule.
“Tomorrow I have to play doubles, so my day is not going to look any different. I’m going to prepare and play the match. Hopefully everything goes great, because I’ve never lost on my birthday here in Madrid, so I want to keep that tradition going.”
Birthday does not stop play for Andreeva.
She added with a smile that motivation will be even higher for the occasion. "I’m going to be three times more pumped and excited, and I’m going to tell my doubles partner that we have to do extra because we’re not losing.”
Any celebrations, however, will be modest with bigger goals still in sight.
“After that we’ll probably go to a restaurant with my team and family just to celebrate a little bit, but nothing big because I have to come back and play the semi-final the next day, just a little something.”
With confidence growing and her all-court game clicking into place, Andreeva now heads into the final four in Madrid full of belief.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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