Andreeva Locks Last 16 Berth on Wimbledon Debut With Sublime Win over Potapova, Faces Keys Next

Mirra Andreeva defeated Anastasia Potapova, a fellow Russian, 6-2, 7-5, thanks to an outstanding performance. In the round of 16, she will face Madison Keys.

In what is unquestionably one of the stories of the season, Mirra Andreeva has written another engrossing chapter. The 16-year-old beat Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 7-5 in front of an enthusiastic Court 3 crowd to advance to the fourth round of Wimbledon on her debut.

Andreeva had never participated in a competitive match on grass before Wimbledon in her brief career. The teenager stunned the South London crowds with tenacious hitting and unwavering spirit to sail through to a maiden second week of a Grand Slam after overcoming three difficult rounds of qualifying at Roehampton to reach Wimbledon main draw for the first time.

A Compelling Battle Between Two Young Talents

In spite of Potapova’s valiant efforts and some fierce hitting of her own, the 22-year-old was powerless against such top-notch opposition from her countryman.

After a tense opening set in which both players traded serve breaks, Potapova calmed things down for what would turn out to be a fascinating and highly entertaining duel in the second set.

Before Andreeva broke back to put the set back on serve, the world No. 23 displayed her characteristic tenacity to rally and gain a 4-1 lead in that second set.

In a thrilling ninth game, Potapova saved five break points (three consecutively from 0-40 down) to move 5-4 ahead at the end of ten minutes of play.

One might have assumed that the more seasoned player would have gained momentum after that. However, it is clear that Mirra Andreeva is not your typical rival. After holding serve in response, the adolescent increased the pressure, breaking in the eleventh game and serving out for an incredibly significant victory.

Sensational Andreeva

The young Russian’s game is so proficient in every aspect that it is difficult to single out one aspect that stands out. But what was most striking was how she approached the biggest win of her career with a cool, methodical approach.

She was equally tenacious in defense, constantly pleading with Potapova to play one more ball before stepping inside the baseline and swiftly turning that defense into attack.

Andreeva was simply amazing.

Mirra Andreeva has won the hearts and minds of every audience she has played in front of, even though her tennis does most of the talking.

There was a similar buzz when, once more as a qualifier, she advanced to the third round of Roland-Garros last month, defeating Coco Gauff in two sets before falling victim to the American’s skillful hitting.

But Andreeva ensured that the third round exit did not happen again by stepping up her game in this match to assert her authority over the situation and deliver a clear message to the rest of the WTA field at SW19.

Madison Keys Lies in Wait

When Madison Keys, the 25th seed and recent Eastbourne champion, is the 16-year-old’s opponent in the next round, she will be facing another level of competition. Andreeva has yet to experience the atmosphere of playing on one of Wimbledon’s revered show courts for that particular match.

However, this young lady is not merely present to fill out the statistics. Because of her early talent, Andreeva is already capable of posing a threat to the elite of the world.

Women’s tennis is well on its way to becoming the sport of the future.

Its name is Mirra Andreeva.

Reference: www.tennismajors.com