In a stunning upset at the ongoing Australian Open 2024, 16-year-old Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva displayed exceptional skill and poise to defeat three-time Grand Slam Finalist Ons Jabeur in Round 2. The victory not only marks a significant milestone for Andreeva but also positions her as the first player aged 17 or younger to conquer a Top 10 player at the Australian Open since Coco Gauff’s remarkable win over defending champion Naomi Osaka in 2019.
Andreeva, the 2023 WTA Newcomer of the Year, showcased top-level athleticism, outplaying the sixth-seeded Jabeur in a thrilling encounter. Speaking about her pre-match nerves, Andreeva admitted, “I was really nervous before the match because I have always been inspired by Ons Jabeur, by the way she plays.” Despite the anxiety, she delivered an outstanding performance in the first set, surprising even herself. “In the first set, I showed amazing tennis. I honestly didn’t expect that from myself. I just wanted to go and play on this big court for the second time, just to enjoy tennis, just to enjoy the time, and I did,” she added.
Reflecting on her growth over the past year, Andreeva expressed, “Last year I was 15, but now I think I am a bit more mature than I was before. Over this year, I think I have changed a lot, and I think you can see it on the court.”
Andreeva’s victory propels her to the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the third time in her career. The question now looms: can the young prodigy sustain her momentum and secure another triumph? Tennis enthusiasts will have the opportunity to find out as Mirra Andreeva faces off against Frenchwoman Diane Parry in the 3rd round of the Australian Open on Friday, January 19th. Catch all the live action exclusively on Sony Sports Network, offering English and Hindi language feeds, with Tamil and Telugu language feeds introduced from the Quarterfinals stage onwards. Don’t miss the chance to witness the rise of this tennis prodigy as she continues to make waves on the international stage.
The Sportz Planet Desk
