WATCH: Andreeva Accuses Anisimova Of Tactical Medical Time Out In Miami Loss
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Mirra Andreeva was left angry when Amanda Anisimova stopped play to call for the physio during the third set of their 2025 Miami Open battle.
Andreeva's sensational 13-match winning streak came to an end after Anisimova defeated her in three sets in the round of 32 in Miami. She had won back-to-back WTA 1000 titles at the 2025 Dubai Championships and the 2025 Indian Wells Open.
However, Anisimova secured her maiden WTA 1000 title at the 2025 Qatar Open. That meant her powerful game always presented a significant challenge to Andreeva, and the American proved too good in the end.
Although the quality of the tennis produced by both women made the match notable before considering other factors, the controversy that erupted in the third set generated much attention.
With Andreeva serving at 1-3 down in the deciding set, Anisimova began to struggle with a blister on her finger. The 23-year-old eventually decided she needed to see the physio at deuce, telling the umpire she could not hold her racket.
Although Anisimova has always been an honest and genuine player, Andreeva doubted her sincerity. As seen in the video below, the 17-year-old said, "We all know why" Anisimova called for the physio.
It is abundantly clear that the Indian Wells Open champion meant that her opponent was trying to disrupt her while serving, in the hope it would increase the chances of Andreeva falling 1-4 and a double break behind.
The umpire reminded Andreeva that Anisimova had the right to ask for the physio, who would determine if the American needed immediate treatment or if it could wait for the break between games.
But Andreeva was still not convinced. When a tournament official communicated to her about the situation, the teenager repeated what she said before about everyone knowing why Anisimova asked for the physio.
The world No. 6's claim was undoubtedly unfair since a visible blister with skin hanging off Anisimova's finger could be seen, which would make it difficult for any player to keep competing without receiving treatment.
Anisimova's sincerity was proven when the physio determined that she needed immediate treatment for the issue. Andreeva held serve when play restarted, but ultimately lost the third set 3-6.
Although Andreeva misread the situation, her feelings in the heat of the moment were understandable. Stopping play during such a tight game would have been interpreted similarly by many other players in the same situation.
Anisimova did well not to become distracted by Andreeva's skepticism. The physio's treatment helped her, and the former French Open semifinalist's thrilling brand of powerful tennis fired again to seal an impressive victory.
Andreeva has admitted she can be a challenging teenager sometimes, which led to her apologizing to coach Conchita Martinez during the Indian Wells Open trophy ceremony. But the incident in Miami was just a misunderstanding in the heat of battle, not born from malice by either player.
Anisimova's next match is against Emma Raducanu. The pair played at the 2025 Australian Open when Raducanu overcame the American with an exceptional defensive display to handle Anisimova's formidable groundstrokes.
