(VIDEO) "I’m sorry... I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry" - Mirra Andreeva breaks down in tears in speech following Madrid Open final defeat

Mirra Andreeva burst out crying while saying her speech after losing in the final of the Madrid Open. The Russian was eyeing up a third WTA 1000 title but fell short against an inform competitor, losing 6-3 7-5.

A late break away in the first set cemented the world number 23 a healthy advantage. The second set was very topsy turvey with the momentum switching each side of the court seemingly every other game. It eventually settled as the players levelled at 4-4.

Andreeva's chance came when she was afforded two set points on the Kostyuk serve, but she was unable to convert them. Kostyuk would then break the serve and took her third match point to win her maiden WTA 1000 title, and second on the spin after coming out on top in Rouen, now on a win-streak of 11 matches.

For Andreeva, it continues her fine clay swing but not in the way she would have wanted. Another brilliant week in this clay swing earns her a third final appearance in 2026 but she just came short in a thrilling and tense final.

She sportingly started her speech by acknowledging what Kostyuk had done this tournament and credited her fine form and title triumph in Madrid.

"First of all, of course, I would like to congratulate Marta and her team for this amazing win today, and also for how your clay season is going so far," she began at Caja Magica. "You’ve won two tournaments in a row, so you’re playing very well—congratulations again for today."

She continued: "I’d also like to thank all of the sponsors who made this tournament possible. Madrid is one of my favourite tournaments on the calendar, and I always look forward to coming back here every year, so thank you for making it very special. Also, thanks to the organisers for making this tournament very cosy for the players. It’s always very nice to be here and to come back every year.

"Of course, thank you to everyone who came today to watch the match and support us. It means a lot to me, and I think to all of the players, especially when we see so many people coming to the finals. So thank you very much for supporting us."

The emotions then came flooding out of the 19-year-old. She managed to keep her cool while on court but was overcome with emotion. "First, thanks to my team for always being there for me," she said before bursting out into tears while the stadium applauded in support.

"I’m sorry… I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry," she stated. "I’m just not going to look at you because it’s easier like this."

"Thank you to my team for always being there, supporting me at all times—when it’s easy and when it’s hard. I know it’s sometimes not easy to work with me, but I really appreciate all of your support and everything that you do for me. Thank you so much."