Mirra Andreeva secured her place in the Madrid Open quarter-finals on Monday after a dramatic three-set victory over Anna Bondar in the Round of 16.
The 18-year-old Russian lost a tight opening set 7-6 but responded strongly to take the second 6-3 and push the match into a deciding third set.
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Everything appeared under control when Andreeva surged into a 5-1 lead, yet the contest quickly became tense as Bondar mounted an unexpected comeback.
Mirra Andreeva’s frustration revealed after letting lead slip
Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images
After seeing her early advantage disappear in the decider, Andreeva was visibly frustrated and turned to her box during a tense moment in the match.
Cameras captured the teenager expressing her emotions, saying: “I’m not a champion. I’m not a champion. I will lose. I will lose.”
The outburst reflected the pressure of the situation, as Bondar closed the gap and shifted momentum at a crucial stage.
Despite that moment of doubt, Andreeva regained her composure as the match reached a deciding tie-break in the third set.
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She managed to halt Bondar’s run after falling behind 5-6, producing a strong finish to win the set 7-6 and seal progression.
Mirra Andreeva set for quarter-final test against Leylah Fernandez
Andreeva will return to action tomorrow, 28 April, for her quarter-final clash.
She is scheduled to face world number 25 Leylah Fernandez in what promises to be another demanding contest.
A victory would take her into the semi-finals, where she would meet either Hailey Baptiste or Aryna Sabalenka.
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