Mirra Andreeva turns honest about her fears of facing Aryna Sabalenka ahead of Australian Open 4R

WTA star Mirra Andreeva acknowledged her fears about facing Aryna Sabalenka at a press conference at the ongoing 2025 Australian Open. She revisited her last meetings against the World No.1, saying that Sabalenka always tends to give her chills on the courts despite her rapid rise.

Andreeva has faced three disappointing defeats in four matches against the Belarusian star. Their last face-off was recently recorded at the Brisbane International, where Sabalenka marked an end to the 17-year-old's campaign with a swift 6-3, 6-2 win.

Andreeva confirmed her slot in the Australian Open top 16 after taking down Magdalena Frech in an extended three-setter match. In a press conference after the hard-fought victory, the young champ unveiled her feelings about the upcoming challenge against Sabalenka.

"Well, honestly, I'm so tired of playing against her. I think she's one player that I played four or five times already, so it's a lot. I know that probably it's going to be an entertaining match and of course I'm going to do everything possible, and I'm going to give my best, so I think that it's going to be interesting to watch. We will see what's going to happen tomorrow," Mirra Andreeva said. [00:14]

"Of course, she also has a certain level, so I'm trying to feel like it's another match, and I'm just going on the Court and trying to win and do my best, but of course, sometimes there are thoughts. I feel like, okay, she's number one. Maybe its okay. When we played in Brisbane, I had those thoughts, but I've talked a lot about this, and now I know what to do, and I've figured it out, so I think that this time is going to be a bit better."

Remembering her only win against Sabalenka during Roland Garros 2024, Andreeva said she might find it a bit easier to face her on the hardcourts of Melbourne instead of clay.

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Mirra Andreeva expresses surprise over Aryna Sabalenka's optimistic prediction

Mirra Andreeva at the 2025 Australian Open - Day 6 - Source: Getty

Mirra Andreeva was left surprised after Aryna Sabalenka made a bold prediction about her 2025 season. The World No. 1, after analyzing the young talent, claimed that she would end up in the top 10 by the end of this season.

Already making waves at the Australian swing, Andreeva made it to the semifinals at the Brisbane International. A challenge against Sabalenka halted her campaign, and things appear to be taking a similar turn in Melbourne.

Reacting to a video where several WTA stars including Sabalenka shouted her out, Andreeva said (via The Tennis Gazette):

"Well, when I saw the video, I was actually pretty surprised that a lot of people said my name. I don’t know, I don’t actually feel any pressure about this. I’m sure that it’s a matter of time until I’m in top 10."

Currently ranked 15 with 2665 points already, Andreeva has a bright chance of making it to the top 10.