(Video) Mirra Andreeva Reportedly Drops the F Bomb After Defeating Maria Sakkari at the Australian Open

Mirra Andreeva defeated Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-4 in the second round of the Australian Open.

(Video) Mirra Andreeva Reportedly Drops the F Bomb After Defeating Maria Sakkari at the Australian Open

Mirra Andreeva reportedly dropped the F bomb (image via Australian Open), Maria Sakkari (image via Adidas Tennis)

Eighth seed Mirra Andreeva cruised past Maria Sakkari in straight sets in the second round of the Australian Open, winning the opening eight games, bagelling her opponent in the first set, and sealing the win 6-0, 6-4.

The 18-year-old’s gesture after the match sparked widespread debate as she seemed to utter something to the crowd at Margaret Court Arena. Some people insist that the Russian said a polite “thank you all” to the spectators. Others, however, believe it was a “f**k you all” directed at the vocal Greek fans who backed Sakkari feverently Sakkari.

Andreeva is no stranger to partisan crowds. She faced a boisterous French crowd during her Roland Garros quarterfinal loss last year to home favorite Lois Boisson. Later in the press conference, Andreeva spoke about the crowd at Margaret Court Arena:

Obviously, they were loud; they were supporting a lot for Maria. When she won those three games in a row, I think she won 11 or 12 points in a row, they really went for it… I tried really not to focus on the crowd. I really tried to keep all my focus into the match.

Down by a set and a break, Sakkari finally tried to get on the board as she won three consecutive games to take a 3-2 lead in the second set. However, Andreeva broke Sakkari in the ninth game before serving out for the match in the following game. During the match, Andreeva hit 11 winners and also forced her opponent into committing 27 unforced errors.

Mirra Andreeva speaks on whether she will ever change her nationality

At the Australian Open press conference later, Mirra Andreeva was asked whether she ever considered changing her nationality. Russian and Belarusian representation is currently banned from team events like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. Russia is also banned from hosting any ATP or WTA-sanctioned tournaments. However, players from these two countries are not banned from competing; they have to play under a neutral flag.

I haven’t even thought about it. I’ve heard about it and seen it lately, especially regarding Kasatkina and how she changed her citizenship. A lot of players have changed, but I’m going to continue playing this way. I didn’t receive any offers or anything like that, so for now I’ll continue like this. It doesn’t put any extra pressure on me; I’m still doing my thing on the court. I’m focused on how to improve and become a better tennis player.

Mirra Andreeva (2)
Mirra Andreeva (Image via X/HQ pics)

Many Russian players have also switched their nationality, such as Daria Kasatkina, who became an Australian citizen to “breathe”, and Anastasia Potapova, who changed her sporting nationality to Austrian. Andreeva, however, is not keen on doing so.

Many Ukrainian players have been vocal this month about the war and the plight of their country. After her runner-up speech at the Brisbane International, Marta Kostyuk faced immense backlash for not acknowledging her opponent, Aryna Sabalenka, a Belarusian, and instead directing her words towards Ukraine. Oleksandra Oliynykova also spoke about the issue at the Australian Open press conference and even called for a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Mirra Andreeva’s Australian Open campaign

In her next round at the Australian Open, Mirra Andreeva is set to face Elena-Gabriela Ruse at Rod Laver Arena on Friday. This will mark their first meeting on court. The Romanian has defeated Dayana Yastremska and Ajla Tomljanovic in straight sets in her previous rounds at the Australian Open. Prior to defeating Maria Sakkari, Andreeva came back from a set down to defeat Donna Vekic in her opening round match in Melbourne.

Mirra Andreeva
Mirra Andreeva (Image via X/#AusOpen)

In the fourth round, Andreeva could either meet Elina Svitolina or compatriot Diana Shnaider. In the quarterfinal, she could meet World No. 3 Coco Gauff, in the semifinal, she could meet two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka, and if she reaches the final, she could meet Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, or Jessica Pegula.

Also Read: Daniil Medvedev Refuses to Swap Flags as Russia Ukraine Conflict Heats up at the Australian Open