Mirra Andreeva Reveals She Used to Have ‘Little Crush’ on US Open Mixed Doubles Partner Andrey Rublev

Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev came from a set down to knock out two-time defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori 1-4, 4-1, 11-9 in the opening round of the US Open mixed doubles. In the tie-break, both teams failed to convert match points.

But following a forehand winner and an ace from Rublev, he and his compatriot booked a spot in the quarterfinals. During the on-court interview, the 19-year-old said she was glad Rublev took the initiative during the tie-break.

The first set we played great, and we were just unlucky a couple of times. I just had so much fun playing with Andrey. I think we played great today. I am so happy that he took the initiative at the end of the tiebreak, as I was super stressed and he hit so many great shots. Thanks to him for leading the doubles today. I am super happy with the win.

The teenager also interrupted the interviewer upon being told that she once said Rublev was her “dream mixed doubles partner,” before revealing that she once used to have a crush on the World No.24.

I mean, I’ve never said anything, but I used to have a little crush on him. So, you know… It’s like a dream come true!

That’s just adorable 🤗 pic.twitter.com/R3bunVJUzj

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2026

In the quarterfinals, the Russian pair clinched a 4-1, 4-5(9), 10-5 victory over Casper Ruud and Diana Shnaider to schedule their semifinal match against Czech aces Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik. Muchova and Mensik first beat the team of Kristina Mladenovic and Marcelo Arevalo in three sets, and eliminated home favorites Tommy Paul and Emma Navarro in straight sets in the last eight.

Mirra Andreeva reveals why she had a crush on Andrey Rublev

Mirra Andreeva had a crush on Andrey Rublev when she was 15 or 16, but now it’s over. When asked why she was drawn to him, Andreeva said it was his red hair, and that in spite of his outbursts on court, she used to think he was a kind person.

I mean, first of all, his hair, OK? So many interviews I saw and so many things that I heard from other people, I just knew he’s a great person. I didn’t know him at that time yet. I don’t know, I just feel like he’s super kind, very nice with everyone. Again, the hair. I don’t know, everyone said that every time he would step on court, he would look tired. I don’t know, he was looking great every time for me.

Mirra Andreeva said at the press conference (H/T: Associated Press)

Rublev, however, made a self-deprecating comment upon hearing praise from his mixed doubles partner.

You know this typical moments when the kids, they don’t have taste yet, they need to try some stupid things before they start to have it? I was in the part of stupid thing, in the transition moment.

Andrey Rublev said

Rublev is a 10-time quarterfinalist in Majors, reaching the stage four times at the US Open, last reaching the stage in 2023. In the following two seasons, the 28-year-old lost in the fourth round. This year in the Grand Slams, he has reached the fourth round of the French Open and lost in the third round of the Australian Open and the first round of Wimbledon.

Andreeva, on the other hand, beat Maja Chwalinska in the French Open final this year to win her career’s first Grand Slam title. At the US Open, Andreeva has never made it past the third round, reaching the stage last year. She has so far played four finals this year, winning the Adelaide International, Linz Open, and the French Open.

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