Mirra Andreeva hopes Russia’s war with Ukraine doesn’t come into her match against Elina Svitolina in Indian Wells
Russian star Mirra Andreeva and Ukraine's Elina Svitolina face each other for the first time in the Indian Wells quarterfinals.
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Mirra Andreeva and Elina Svitolina (via X)
Mirra Andreeva earned her place in the quarterfinals of Indian Wells after a resounding victory over Elena Rybakina in the fourth round. The World No.11 extended her unbeaten run to nine matches following her win. The Russian star will now face Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina next, where the war between both countries has become a serious conversation in recent weeks.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, there have been unsettled disputes between players from both countries. In recent years, some Ukrainian players have refused to shake their Russian opponent after a match. However, both countries have excelled on the court despite their countries’ growing conflict.
Andreeva made it to the fourth round of Indian Wells without dropping a point. In fact, she has met two players whom she played at the Dubai Tennis Championships and have beaten them. One of them was Rybakina, whom she defeated in three sets in Dubai but needed just 64 minutes to beat the World No.7 6-1, 6-2 in California desert.
On the other hand, Svitolina has enjoyed an unprecedented form in Indian Wells. The 30-year-old was struggling ahead of the tournament since her run at the Australian Open. She beat Danielle Collins in the third round before an excellent performance against Jessica Pegula, coming from behind to win 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.
Both players are set to face each other for the first time in their careers in Indian Wells. Nonetheless, Andreeva hopes that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine do not take the focus out of the match. She added that she will prepare for the encounter the way she does for other matches.
Of course, it’s not easy; I’d say I’ve played about 4-5 matches against Ukrainian players during this time. I try not to dwell on it; I just want to focus on my game, stick to my routines, and think that the match ahead won’t be easy. I’ll try to prepare for this encounter as I do for any other match; nothing will change for me. I’ll follow my routines and stick to what I’ve been doing all week.
Mirra Andreeva said via Indian Wells Press
Svitolina will head into the match with confidence due to her commanding 7-0 lead against Russian players since the war started three years ago. Andreeva will be an underdog given the fact that her last match with a Ukrainian, ended in a 6-4, 4-6, 3-6 loss against Dayana Yastremska at the 2024 Bad Homburg Open.
Mirra Andreeva says her performance “sometimes surprises her”
Mirra Andreeva has been in remarkable form since the Dubai Tennis Championships. The World No.11 stunned the World by becoming the youngest player to win the WTA 1000 title since the introduction of the format in 2009. She has reached a career-high of World No.9 since the unprecedented victory in Dubai.
During her press conference in Indian Wells, she was asked whether she would be playing the way she’s doing. She revealed that sometimes she’s amazed by her performance on the court and her incredible shots.
Sometimes I surprise myself with some shots; I am amazed by some of the shots I make in a match, but it feels good when something unexpected happens, like hitting a great shot. There are times during the match when this happens, and it feels fantastic, even though most of the time I know what to expect from myself. Yet, I still surprise myself with some incredible shots I manage to pull off. It’s an awesome feeling.
Mirra Andreeva said
Andreeva is hoping to continue with her form by winning the Indian Wells Masters. The Russian teenager will face a tough test against Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 tournament.
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