“Unfortunately she’s not here”: Mirra Andreeva balances Madrid run, puppy Rassy and 19th birthday
WTASunday, 26 April 2026 at 01:00
Mirra Andreeva continued her Madrid Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Dalma Galfi, securing a place in the last 16 for a fourth consecutive year. The No. 9 seed progressed after a first-round bye and a previous win over Panna Udvardy, maintaining a pattern of early-round control at a tournament that has consistently marked stages of her development.
The result extends her clay-court record in 2026 to 9-1, adding to a title in Linz and a semifinal run in Stuttgart, where she recorded a notable win over Iga Swiatek. The scoreline suggested a routine win, but the match itself featured repeated deuce games and extended rallies that required sustained concentration.
Madrid remains a key reference point in her trajectory. In 2023, Andreeva arrived as a 15-year-old ranked No. 194 and reached the fourth round. Now, as she approaches her 19th birthday on April 29, she returns as a top-10 player, with expectations built on consistency rather than emergence.
That context framed both her performance and her comments after the match, where attention shifted from results to the practical realities of her current stage—both on and off the court.
“Unfortunately she’s not here”: On-court moment highlights Rassy situation
Andreeva addressed her puppy, Rassy, during her on-court interview immediately after defeating Galfi, linking the topic to her upcoming birthday and the possibility of her family travelling to Madrid. The exchange provided a rare insight into how her personal life is adapting to the demands of the tour.
The moment came in a relaxed setting, but her response reflected the logistical limitations she continues to navigate. While Rassy is now part of her routine away from tournaments, integrating that into her weekly schedule remains unresolved.
“Unfortunately she’s not here in Madrid. My mom is planning to come for mine and my dad’s birthday. So I’m hoping she would be brave enough to take Rassy with her. The only time we travel together it was just the both of us."
"Rassy is still a puppy. It’s like a little newborn baby. We’ll see if she’s brave enough. If she’s not going to bring Rassy here, I’ll convince her 100% to bring her to Rome.”
“It felt like a preseason all over again”: Tennis Channel interview outlines preparation and match demands
Speaking later with Tennis Channel, Andreeva detailed the physical preparation behind her clay form, describing a transition that required a significant increase in workload.
She framed the period as unusually demanding, noting the intensity of gym sessions and the cumulative effect of that work leading into the clay swing.
“It felt like a preseason all over again, and I spent so much time in the gym doing like 30, 40 reps, three sets. I’m like, how much do we have to do? It’s just never ending, and I spent so much time at the gym, and I feel like probably it’s paying off.”
That preparation was reflected in her match against Galfi, where the margin was narrower than the scoreline suggested, particularly in the second set.
“Even though it was 6-3, 6-2, we played one hour and a half, so it was pretty tricky. We had a lot of long games where she had opportunities… I feel like almost every game in the second set was deuce, and it could have gone either way.”
She also pointed to the influence of Madrid’s altitude, explaining how it allows her to adjust her approach without relying exclusively on aggressive shot-making.
“With altitude, I feel like I can use my serve a bit more as well. I also feel like on the baseline I’m more consistent… sometimes I’m able to win some points without even hitting super hard.”
Mirra Andreeva celebrates point at the Stuttgart Open 2026
“I need a little bit more time to just live a little”: Perspective ahead of 19th birthday
Andreeva’s reflections extended beyond immediate results, offering a perspective shaped by the speed of her progression on tour. Approaching her 19th birthday, she acknowledged how quickly her career has evolved since her first breakthrough in Madrid.
“I feel like the time is going so fast right now. It’s insane… I’m soon going to be 19. What is happening? It seems like a year ago I was turning 16 here.”
Her approach to long-term goals remains deliberately open, avoiding preference for any specific tournament or surface despite her strong clay results. “Honestly, with women’s tennis, I don’t know… if I would have a choice, it wouldn’t matter to me. A Slam is a Slam.”
That same perspective shapes how she views her current stage, balancing results with the adjustments required away from competition. “I need a little bit more time to just live a little.”
As she prepares to face Anna Bondar for a place in the quarterfinals, Andreeva’s Madrid campaign reflects both continuity and transition. The results remain consistent, while the broader context—on court and off—continues to evolve.
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.
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