Teenage Qualifier Andreeva Tries 'Not To Think' About Matching Raducanu's Achievement

| by Kadir Macar

16-year-old tennis phenom Mirra Andreeva is still in the running for equaling what Emma Raducanu did two years ago but it's not something she thinks about.

We've seen some amazing moments happen in tennis history however in 2021 we saw something that's not been done before. When you have a sport with a very long history such as tennis you don't really see many things that have never been done before.

Before 2021 we've never seen a qualifier win a Grand Slam trophy but that year we did. Emma Raducanu was a qualifier in New York and she stormed to the US Open trophy becoming the first qualifier to ever win a Grand Slam. Recently though she admitted that she sometimes wishes she didn't.

When it comes to Andreeva, she's still in the running to equal that as she was a qualifier at this year's Wimbledon. Due to her improved ranking after this event, the Russian won't be a qualifier at the US Open so technically this is her last chance to equal the achievement of Raducanu. While very inspired by what Emma did, Andreeva isn't really thinking about matching her fellow colleague on the WTA Tour.

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Of course, in 2021 she did amazing job. Everyone was impressed. I think she was impressed also to pass the quallies and to win the slam at 18. It's amazing.

But me, I just try to not think about it. I think it will disturb me, all these thoughts. I just try to play every match and don't think how far I have gone already or which round I'm playing, against who I'm playing.

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The Russian doesn't need to equal it as she'll have plenty of time to achieve many great things in the future and considering her talent it would be a big surprise if she doesn't. While Raducanu's achievement will be remembered in tennis history, she certainly wouldn't want to remain on just one.

Andreeva doesn't want to either as she jokingly admitted that she's aiming at 20+ which is fair. For now, though, she just tries to play every point as best as she can not thinking too much ahead. It's a good and healthy way to think about her career.

I just try to play every point. Doesn't matter against who. Doesn't matter which round. I just play my game. I don't change anything mental-wise, tennis-wise. So, yeah, I'm just playing.

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