Teenage superstar Mirra Andreeva won't be playing at the 2024 Miami Open, and she explained why on social media.
The teenager was last in action at the Indian Wells Open, where she had a really tough time. Her end came at the hands of native player Katie Volynets, who kept battling even when the Russian was up a break in both sets.
Andreeva wasn't playing her best, but she still played well enough to win. The problem wasn't her tennis; it was simply her not being focused enough in crucial moments.
She served for both sets but then lost both, which was a hugely disappointing finish to the WTA 1000 event for her. Her next event was supposed to be the Miami Open, but she withdrew from that event, causing concern.
The Russian has now come out to explain the reason for her withdrawal from the event and its arm tendonitis.
"Hi everyone, I wanted to share that I have made this difficult decision for me to pull out of Miami. I've always wanted to play this amazing tournament, so it was very hard for me to decide to skip it this year."
Andreeva's decision to pull out to rest up and better prepare for the clay season is a very smart one, as the loss in Indian Wells certainly also took an emotional toll on her.
She had a really great time on clay last year and has some points to defend. Forcing herself to play the Miami Open with tendonitis wouldn't have been a very smart choice.
"I have been struggling with some arm tendonitis and decided to be caution about it, take some time to recover, get stronger and be ready for the clay season."
Fans will have to wait to see where her return happens, but the first big event on clay will be the Madrid Open, where she actually earned a couple of huge wins last year.