Emma Raducanu ‘disturbing’ Mirra Andreeva as Wimbledon prodigy ignores noise
Mirra Andreeva insists she could be “disturbed” if she began fascinated with Emma Raducanu. The 16-year-old qualifier grew to become the second-youngest girl since Maria Sharapova in 2003 to succeed in the fourth spherical of Wimbledon when she beat no. 22 seed Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 7-5 on Court 3.
But she shies away from comparability with the British 18-year-old who got here by qualifying on the US Open in 2021 to carry the trophy in New York. “Of course, she did amazing job,” Andreeva stated. “Everyone was impressed. She was impressive 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, or even against who I’m playing.”
Psst! It’s Madison Keys, by the way – a super-power contest between USA and Russia. Not that Andreeva necessarily wants to be seen as a flag-bearer for her native country in a year in which the All England Lawn Tennis Club were begrudgingly forced to accept players from her country even though war continues to rage in Ukraine.
“I haven’t felt any recriminations,” she says sagely. “I am just playing tennis.” Far somewhat, Andreeva urges with a demure smile however internal steeliness, she simply be handled like some other teenager.
“Actually I’m just like normal girl,” Andreeva stated. “I do everything that the girls my age do. I love to watch some series – most of my free time, I just watch Netflix – at least I am honest! Outside the court I’m still 16, and sometimes I can be like a kid. I can complain a lot about some stuff.
“On the court I just try to think only about tennis, about the game, about the next point. But outside the court I’m different. Oh, and I have to do my school I have no choice – I have to suffer for two more years, and that’s it!”
“But most of the time I watch Netflix. To be fair, at least I’m honest.” She makes no bones about preferring her personal firm and in that regard appears extra-ordinarily self-sufficient.
Failing that, although, her prolonged household again dwelling in Russia are there to provide her a leg up when wanted – not least as a result of they have been all gathered collectively to have fun Andreeva’s grandfather Petr’s birthday.
“Today especially is the birthday of my grandpa,” Andreeva stated. “They were watching my match, like 50 people that they invited. Today I received much more support, much more kind messages from my family.”