“Don’t think about anything else,” Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva receive wise words of wisdom from former No. 1 as she revels in patriotic pride

Two 16-year-olds from Russia, Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva, have made it to the second round of the 2024 Australian Open.

“Don’t think about anything else,” Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva receive wise words of wisdom from former No. 1 as she revels in patriotic pride

Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva (Image via: Imago)

Russian youngsters Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva have surprised everyone with their performances in the 2024 Australian Open so far.

Both players have won their respective matches in the first round of the tournament and the fact that they are both just 16 years old is baffling.

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The last time two 16-year-olds won matches in a Grand Slam was back in 2007, the year when both of them were born. 

Former Russian player Dinara Safina, who also made her Grand Slam debut at the age of 16, is not surprised by the performances of these two players.

She also added 16-year-old Czech player Brenda Fruhvirtova to the list, who also won her first-round match against Ana Bogdan. Safina said that players at this age are fearless, which gives them an added advantage against any opponent. 

The best thing about being 16 is that you have no fear. You have no doubt. You just go out there and you play your best. You really don’t think about anything else. This is a fearlessness that, unfortunately, you will never have again!
She said. (H/T: Tennis.com)

Both Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva played exceptionally well in their first-round matches. Mirra’s performance against sixth seed Ons Jabeur was particularly praised by the netizens, as no one had expected the youngster to dominate the Tunisian in the way that she did. She even got a bagel in the first set. 

Dinara Safina gives important advice to Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva 

The 2009 Australian Open finalist said that Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva must put their young age to use for as long as they can.

Dinara Safina (L), Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva (R)
Dinara Safina (L), Mirra Andreeva and Alina Korneeva (R) (Sources: Tennis World USA)

She said that they will change a lot as players over time and the fearlessness that they currently possess will gradually fade away. This is the reason why everyone is scared of young players. 

So, you have to enjoy it while it’s there and understand that this is your time, a time where everyone is scared of you because no one knows you, and on the other side, you’re not scared of anyone because you’re full of confidence.
Dinara Safina said. 

Alina Korneeva will face Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second round, while Mirra Andreeva’s opponent for the second round has not been decided yet.

Their matches are expected to be comparatively harder in this round and it will be interesting to see how the youngsters perform here. 

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