Sixteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva expressed that defeating her idol Ons Jabeur at the Australian Open marked a significant milestone in her career. The young Russian, ranked 47th, displayed her talent by easily defeating Jabeur 6-0, 6-2 in the second round, a dream come true for Andreeva who admires Jabeur’s playing style.
In her post-match interview, she was asked about the difference compared to her last year’s junior final, to which she humorously mentioned that she is now a “bit more mature” at sixteen than she was at fifteen. Her response left everyone laughing at the Rod Laver Arena.
Mirra Andreeva after beating Ons Jabeur
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2024
“A year ago you were playing the junior final. How much has changed the last 12 months. Your game has come on so much. Do you feel that way as well?”
Mirra: “Uhmm, no. I just feel like I’m a bit more mature.”
“You’re only 16” 😂
Mirra:… pic.twitter.com/f304ewVWaM
Andreeva made her debut at the age of 15 and has been impressive since then. Despite her limited participation in WTA tournaments due to age restrictions, Andreeva has fearlessly competed on the Grand Slam stage. Her latest victory over Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, showcased her well-rounded skills and marked her first win against a top-10 opponent.
Talking about her outstanding performance, Andreeva acknowledged that she played one of her best sets ever, and was surprised at her own level of play. She emphasized her desire to enjoy tennis and her time on the court, leading to a satisfying experience for her.
“I didn’t expect it from myself. I just wanted to enjoy tennis, my time….I did.”
She also got emotional as she shared her deep admiration for Ons Jabeur, having been inspired by her at a young age.
“I had watched the way her matches. I was always so inspired by the way she plays.”
Tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva goes for an exotic animal encounter in Melbourne
Mirra Andreeva who has proven herself with her upset victory over Ons Jabeur at the Australian Open also revealed her soft side as an animal lover. The sixteen-year-old shared her unique experience of meeting exotic creatures before her first-round match at Rod Laver Arena.
She had an opportunity to interact with animals upon her arrival in Melbourne on 16th January. She made it a point to participate and even convinced her agent to join her holding a snake, despite her initial fear. The young tennis sensation humorously noted that interacting with animals was the primary non-tennis activity she had engaged in during her time in Melbourne so far.
“I told myself I had to be here that day to watch all the animals and hold the snake. I did that with my agent; he was so scared, but I forced him to do it so we did it together. The animals are the only thing I’ve done so far in Melbourne.”
-Mirra Andreeva in an interview with Laura Robson
