Mirra Andreeca managed to book herself a spot into last 16 in Melbourne on Friday after defeating Magdalena Fręch.
The Russian sensational advanced by a set of 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 and she became a third young player after 30 years to reach back-to-back fourth rounds at the Australian Open before their 18th birthday.
Andreeca and Sabalenka are going to face each other for the fifth time since 2023 and for the second time this year.
Earlier this month at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka dropped only five games during her 6-3, 6-2, win.
Andreeca showed her dissatisfaction regarding her showdown against Sabalenka and promised to give world no.1 touugh test.
She said “Honestly, I’m so tired of playing against her. I played her four or five times already. So, yeah, it’s a lot. What can I say? Here we are again.
“I know that it’s going to be an entertaining match, and of course, I’m going to do everything possible. I’m going to give my best. I think it’s going to be interesting to watch.”
Andreeca revealed that even though she pushed Sabalenka during quarter-finals of the French Open last year, but play on different court will be bit challenge for her.
She said “I would say that playing her on a clay court and a hard court is a completely different match.
“Playing her on a clay court is, I would say, a bit easier. Of course on the hard courts, like here in Melbourne, I would say that for me is one of the fastest hard courts.
“This is not going to be easy. We’re just gonna see if I can handle the pressure and everything that’s gonna happen.”
Currently ranked 15th in the world, she has one WTA 250 title to her name and reached the final of another WTA 500 event last year.
Furthermore, she has reached the last 16 in three out of the last five Grand Slam events she has played.
Andreeca revealed that she was surprised when many people were saying she will be soon make it into top 10.
She said “I was pretty surprised that a lot of people said my name, I don’t feel any pressure about this. I’m sure that it’s a matter of time until I’m in the top 10.
“I have a lot of points to defend this year, so we’re gonna see. It’s pretty interesting for me to see how I can deal with that pressure, but when everyone is saying, ‘Okay, she’s gonna be top 10.”
This year’s Australian Open is the first time Andreeva is seeded in the top 16 at a major event.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
