Challenging Debut on Grass for Mirra Andreeva
In a challenging debut on grass for the 2025 season, Mirra Andreeva faced significant hurdles during her first match at the Berlin Open, ultimately succumbing to an upset against Magdalena Frech. The 18-year-old’s performance came on the heels of a disappointing quarterfinal exit at Roland Garros against Lois Boisson, where she revealed that the intense pressure of competing in front of the passionate French crowd impacted her game.
Match Highlights
Set against the vibrant atmosphere of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Andreeva initially seemed to be on her way to a smooth victory, taking the first set 6-2. However, the tides turned dramatically in the second set when she was broken in the very first game. This unexpected development left Andreeva visibly frustrated; footage from the match shows Frech executing a flawless cross-court backhand that left Andreeva scrambling and unable to respond.
Known for her emotional style of play, Andreeva reacted instinctively by launching the ball into the stands, a move that could have led to a default if it had struck a spectator—an outcome that umpires sometimes handle inconsistently. Following this moment of anger, she lost the second set narrowly at 5-7 and then completely fell apart in the deciding set, leading to a shocking final score of 2-6, 7-5, 6-0 in Frech’s favor.
Emotional Intensity in Competition
This match illustrated the delicate balancing act Andreeva faces, harnessing her emotional intensity to fuel her play while avoiding letting it spiral out of control—an effort that previously led her to triumph at both the 2025 Dubai Championships and the Indian Wells event.
In a similar vein, Andreeva was embroiled in controversy during her Miami Open match against Amanda Anisimova, where she questioned the legitimacy of Anisimova’s mid-game delay due to a blister, suggesting it was a tactic to disrupt her momentum. Anisimova, generally known for her amicable nature, retaliated with a pointed social media post displaying her blister while making a provocative gesture.
Looking Ahead
As the WTA community looks forward, the focus will shift to Andreeva as she prepares for the upcoming 2025 Eastbourne Open, where she is set to compete against a strong field that includes tennis heavyweights like Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and Paula Badosa, promising an exciting tournament ahead.
