Mirra Andreeva is gradually getting into the season and gaining shape ahead of the Australian Open. The 18-year-old Russian woman, ranked eighth in the WTA rankings, dealt with Marie Bouzkova without any unnecessary nerves at the tournament in Adelaide.

Mirra completely dictated her terms to her difficult opponent and instilled optimism in the hearts of the fans. It looks like she was able to reboot and put the crisis behind her.

Progress of the match: from opponent’s break to total control

The start of the second round match of the WTA 500 tournament remained with the Czech – Bouzkova led 2:0, making a break in the first game. Andreeva calmly accepted this scenario and gradually returned to the game. The key segment was when the score was 3:3, when Mirra did a great job on the return and took away her opponent’s serve with a backhand dribble. Then another break and a confident completion of the set – 6:3.

In the second game the resistance did not last long. Andreeva immediately made a break, added aggression on the return and confidently held her games. As a result, the set was completely under the control of the Russian and ended with a score of 6:1 in her favor.

The statistics look indicative: Andreeva served two aces, made two double faults and converted five out of seven break points. Bouzkova had not a single serve through, one break and minimal chances of getting into the game after the middle of the first set.

Mirra Andreeva / Photo: © Robert Prange / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

In the quarterfinals of the tournament in Adelaide, Andreeva will play with the winner of the Australian Derby between Maya Joynt and Ajla Tomljanovic. Both rivals are familiar with the local courts, but based on current form, Mirra looks like the favorite regardless of the outcome of this match. In addition, after the removal of Jessica Pegula, only Madison Keys is higher than the Russian among the competition participants, with whom Mirra will not play until the final.

How Andreeva started the season

The Australian series for Mirra is going unevenly, but overall leaves a positive impression. At the previous “500” in Brisbane, she reached the quarterfinals, where she lost to Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk – 6:7 (7:9), 3:6. The match turned out to be tight and protracted, lasting almost two hours. In the Brisbane doubles, Andreeva performed together with Ekaterina Alexandrova – their duet finished the fight in the second round, losing to Anna Danilina and Alexandra Krunich – 1:6, 3:6.

The results of the beginning of the season have already affected the rating. According to the updated version of the WTA on January 12, Mirra Andreeva moved up one place and now ranks eighth with 4232 points. At the same time, the density in the top ten makes it clear: every successful tournament can seriously change the balance of power. The victory over Bouzkova in Adelaide is another step towards gaining a foothold among the leaders of the tour and approaching the Australian Open in a good rhythm of play.