TEENAGE sensation Mirra Andreeva repeatedly punched herself in frustration then later burst into tears after her landmark Wimbledon win.
The 16-year-old Russian has taken the tennis world by storm this year.
BBCMirra Andreeva punched herself after losing a crucial game[/caption]
BBCThe 16-year-old was furious with herself and let it show[/caption]
And she booked her place in the fourth round on her Wimbledon debut with a superb 6-2 7-5 win over compatriot Anastasia Potapova.
But after failing to break Potapova serve despite seven break points at 4-4 in the second, Andreeva let her anger out on her own thigh on her way back to the chair trailing 5-4.
The teen whacked herself time and time again – furious she was not able to get the break despite already coming from 4-1 down.
But she managed to get the all-important breakthrough in Potapova’s next service game.
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And the inexperienced youngster kept her composure to serve out for victory.
Then as she took her seat and soaked up the win, the Siberian qualifier – aiming to replicate Emma Raducanu’s success at the 2021 US Open – broke down in tears and buried her head in her towel.
Andreeva said: “I’m really happy that I won.
“It was an amazing battle and she played really well.
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“I did everything I could and gave it all I had.
“Of course I feel great. Even if I wanted to show some emotions I couldn’t because I was out of breath almost every point.”
Andreeva has struck up a text relationship with Andy Murray in recent weeks – but revealed she had not been able to catch up with the Scot in person.
She said: “Of course I do enjoy the amazing atmosphere here.
“You see all the players, like Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray – but I haven’t said ‘Hi’ to him yet.
“The atmosphere is great and hopefully next year I’ll be in the different locker room from this year, the one that is the level above. I will do everything for that.”
GettyAndreeva let it all out in celebration as she secured the win[/caption]
BBCShe sat back in her chair and cried into her towel[/caption]
BBCIt was an emotional moment for the qualifier on her Wimbledon debut[/caption] Read More