"Never played any competitive sports” — Former WTA Coach of the Year defends Andreeva after Madrid “cry”

Former Naomi Osaka’s coach Sascha Bajin has strongly defended Mirra Andreeva after the 19-year-old broke down in tears following her defeat in the Madrid Open final. The Russian lost 6-3, 7-5 to Marta Kostyuk, missing out on a third WTA 1000 title in what was her third final at that level.

Andreeva, who had entered the tournament with two titles already this season, was aiming to add Madrid to her growing list of major results. The loss came after a campaign in which she defeated players including Leylah Fernandez and Hailey Baptiste on her way to the final.

The emotional reaction after the match drew attention, with Andreeva crying during her on-court speech at Caja Mágica despite attempting to remain composed. She acknowledged Kostyuk’s form and thanked the Madrid crowd and organisers for their support.

Bajin, a former hitting partner of Serena Williams and coach to multiple top players, responded directly to criticism directed at the teenager, framing the reaction as a misunderstanding of elite competition and its psychological demands.

Bajin, who worked for years with Serena Williams during parts of her 13 Grand Slam title-winning period, has previously held roles across the WTA Tour with several leading players. His coaching background also includes stints with Naomi Osaka, Sloane Stephens, Victoria Azarenka, Karolína Plíšková and others.

Following Andreeva’s defeat in Madrid, Bajin reacted to criticism of the teenager’s emotional response after losing her third WTA 1000 final. He rejected external judgement of players experiencing visible disappointment after major finals.

“Everybody who’s shitting on Mirra, a 19 year old girl for crying after losing the finals clearly never dedicated his or her whole life towards one thing. Never played any competitive sports and clearly doesn’t understand the concept of giving it your all but still getting beaten”

The comments placed emphasis on the disconnect between public reaction and the internal reality of elite sport. Andreeva, still in the early stages of her career, has already accumulated significant results at WTA 1000 level, including titles earlier in the season in Dubai and Indian Wells.

Andreeva entered the Madrid Open shortly after turning 19, continuing a breakthrough season on the WTA Tour. She had already won titles in Adelaide and Linz and arrived in Madrid with a 26-8 record for the year, including a 12-2 record on clay.

In Madrid, she reached the final after wins over Leylah Fernandez and Hailey Baptiste, among others. It was her third WTA 1000 final, following title victories back in 2025, in Dubai and Indian Wells, where she defeated Clara Tauson and Aryna Sabalenka respectively.

The final against Kostyuk was decided in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5. A late break in the opening set gave Kostyuk control, while the second set remained highly competitive before settling at 4-4, where momentum shifted decisively again in the closing stages.