Erika Andreeva makes ‘tough’ confession after beating sister Mirra in Wuhan
Erika Andreeva admitted that her clash against younger sister Mirra was “tough for both of us” after prevailing in the first meeting between the two.
Erika, 20, and Mirra, 17, are considered two of the brightest talents on the WTA Tour and faced off for the first time on Wednesday at the Wuhan Open.
It was the first match between two sisters since Serena and Venus Williams met at the 2020 Lexington Open, and younger sister Mirra was arguably the favourite heading in.
The 17-year-old is currently ranked 19th in the world – 51 places above Erika – and has had more eye-catching results across her career, winning her first title in Iasi and reaching the French Open semi-final this season.
However, she was unable to hold on to an early 3-1 lead in this second round clash, with her older sister winning nine straight games on her way to sealing an impressive 6-3, 6-1 triumph.
Speaking after the match, the 20-year-old admitted she and her sister were “happy” their first clash came at such a significant event – but was not sure either of the two had much fun on court.
“First experience, and both of us were happy it happened at a big tournament, but I’m not sure we enjoyed it,” said Erika.
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“I know where she will most possibly go, and she as well. Sometimes during the rally I was like, ‘Normally I go there, but I know that she knows that I go there,’ and I changed my decision.
“I’m not sure that was the best choice sometimes.”
Erika’s run comes as somewhat of a surprise, having initially been beaten in qualifying.
The sixth seed in the qualifying draw, the Russian was beaten by Lesia Tsurenko in the final round, though entered the main draw as a lucky loser following the withdrawal of Lulu Sun.
She beat Australian Open semi-finalist Dayana Yastremska in her opening main draw match, before Wednesday’s win against her sister.
Fourth seed Jasmine Paolini awaits next in a tough test for the 20-year-old, though there will be huge positives to take from the tournament no matter what happens against the Italian on Thursday.
She is set to rise back up to her career-high ranking of 67th, first achieved last month, and could rise even further if she extends her run.
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