Mirra Andreeva had to dig deep in her first-round match at the 2023 US Open, but eventually, the 16-year-old sensation emerged victorious.
The talented Russian already played two Grand Slam tournaments this year, but each time, she had to go through the qualifying. However, that didn't seem to be a problem from Andreeva, who played really well despite having to play extra three matches.
After her runs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, the Russian recorded a combined record of two wins and two losses at the WTA 250 tournaments in Lausanne and Cleveland, but as she showed in the past, the Grand Slam stage is where she can perform well.
This time, without having to play through the qualifying, Andreeva could certainly be considered as one of the dark horses at the event. But world no. 139, Olivia Gadecki didn't agree with that, as she herself has gone through the qualifying.
The opening set saw one-way traffic in a way that the 16-year-old rarely experiences. She just couldn't find answers to any of her opponent's questions, and after only 28 minutes, Gadecki won the opening set 6-1 against the young prodigy.
Starting the second set with a break, the Australian was now very close to shocking the young player. But despite losing by a set and a break, Andreeva never gave up, won five consecutive games, and eventually took the second set 6-3 to force a decider.
The third set of the match was really close, but small margins mattered and the crucial rallies were played better by the 16-year-old. After two hours and four minutes, Andreeva won the match 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the second round of the 2023 US Open.
In her next round, Andreeva may potentially play against Coco Gauff, who is one of the biggest favourites of this year's US Open.
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