Facing World No. 2 Sabalenka in Madrid: No Pressure For 16-Year-Old Andreeva

| by Zachary Wimer

16-year-old Mirra Andreeva will face World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka at the Madrid Open, but she isn't feeling the pressure.

The world of tennis has been stunned by the spectacular rise of 16-year-old Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva, who turned 16 only during the 2023 Madrid Open and started the even as 15-year-old with two sensational wins.

Making headlines for her remarkable Madrid Open campaign, the teenager has been turning heads with her fearless performances on the court. In the first round, she eliminated Leylah Fernandez, then, she conquered Beatriz Haddad Maia, and she even outplayed Magda Linette.

Andreeva's latest challenge comes in the form of 2023 Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka, who she will face in the fourth round of the Madrid Open. The Russian isn't afraid despite facing the current leading player in the 2023 WTA Race as she revealed in a post-match interview with the Tennis Channel.

"I have nothing to lose. I have to go there and show the best tennis i can. There is no pressure at all for me. There is just some pressure on her, I think. She will play a 16-year-old girl. Yes, I am pretty excited to play tomorrow."

16-Year-Old Sensation Andreeva Shocks Again To Set Up Sabalenka Clash
16-Year-Old Sensation Andreeva Shocks Again To Set Up Sabalenka Clash

Her self-assurance and determination have been evident throughout the tournament, and Andreeva's expectations for herself have only grown with each victory.

"I did not expect to be here and playing Sabalenka in the round of 16. I am not really surprised with my level because I know the way I can play on the court. Yes, I cannot say I was surprised at my level, but I did not expect to be here, to go this far."

The post-match interview featured also a moment that immediately went viral on social media, and essentially stole the show, as the teenager called former world no. 1 Andy Murray 'so beautiful'. The 35-year-old noticed her remark and joked about it, stating: "Imagine how good she’s going to be when she gets her eyes fixed."

"You know, the atmosphere here is so special. When you sit here and take in all the stars you see, like Andy Murray, you see his face. He is so beautiful in life. Sorry. He is so amazing. This atmosphere, between the players, just to be here is incredible, simply incredible."

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