Mirra Andreeva Withdraws From 2025 Adelaide International, Replaced By Sakkari
News
Teenage prodigy Mirra Andreeva has decided not to compete at the 2025 Adelaide International, which takes place the week before the Australian Open.
Andreeva has dealt with high expectations since breaking through at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. At 16 years and two months, she reached the fourth round at SW19.
Coco Gauff, who made that stage at the same tournament in 2019 as a 15-year-old, is the only player who has broken through at a younger age in recent years. Gauff beat Iga Swiatek on Sunday to help Team USA win the United Cup.
Andreeva began 2025 after a memorable 2024 season. In April last year, she started being coached by former world No. 2 Conchita Martinez, and the Spaniard has positively impacted the young star's game.
Martinez has had to work hard because Andreeva admits she can be difficult to deal with. As a 17-year-old, she sometimes engages in childish antics that complicate Martinez's job.
However, despite those challenges, Andreeva reached a maiden Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open, losing to Jasmine Paolini. She also secured her first WTA title at the Iasi Open in Romania after Elina Avanesyan retired in the final.
Andreeva came close to a maiden WTA 500 level title at the Ningbo Open in October. The Russian led Daria Kasatkina 3-0 in the deciding set, but her older compatriot fought back from the brink to triumph.
After the trophy ceremony, Kasatkina comforted Andreeva, who had burst into tears while trying to speak to the crowd. Andreeva reflected on that experience during a recent press conference at the Brisbane International.
The French Open semifinalist began her 2025 season by reaching the semifinal in Brisbane. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who Andreeva defeated during her run at Roland Garros last year, was too strong on the hard courts in Australia.
Although losing in the semifinal was disappointing, Andreeva's start to 2025 was still encouraging. Fans in Adelaide were undoubtedly excited to watch one of the most talented WTA players in the world.
Unfortunately for them, Andreeva withdrew from the Adelaide International. No official reason has been given for that decision, but the 17-year-old's name is not in the draw for the women's singles at the event.
Andreeva did not seem to have any physical issues in Brisbane. After a solid week at the Brisbane International, during which she played some good matches, it seems likely that she has decided to get additional rest for the Australian Open.
Maria Sakkari replaces Andreeva at the Adelaide International. The former world No. 3 lost a dramatic qualifying match to Peyton Stearns but has been given another opportunity as a lucky loser in the draw.
Sakkari endured a tough 2024 season, including splitting with longtime coach Tom Hill before a short-lived partnership with Venus Williams' and Jessica Pegula's former coach, David Witt. She also ended her season early because of a severe shoulder injury.
