Alexey Selivanenko, the Vice President of the Russian Tennis Federation, commented on Mirra Andreeva, the 16-year-old prodigy who faced Ons Jabeur, ranked sixth in the world, in the second round of the Australian Open. Selivanenko praised Andreeva for a near-flawless performance that produced a decisive win, a sentiment echoed by the outlet vprognoze.ru which reported his remarks.
He noted that Andreeva took control from the very start and didn’t allow Ons to regain footing. According to Selivanenko, Jabeur’s frustration grew as Andreeva repeatedly forced errors through sustained pressure, leading to a one-sided result that reflected Andreeva’s sharp play and aggressive game plan. The comments underscore how the teenager’s level of play impressed even seasoned observers who expected a tougher test from the world’s top-10 opponent.
The match concluded after 54 minutes with a commanding 6:0, 6:2 victory for Andreeva. Looking ahead, Andreeva is scheduled to meet French competitor Diane Parry in the tournament’s third round. The match date is set for January 19, with a scheduled start time around 03:00 Moscow time, giving fans in North America and Europe a window to follow the action live or via late-night coverage.
Beyond this match, Russian tennis players continue to compete on international stages as neutral athletes. The notable exception was Wimbledon in 2022, when sanctions led to the absence of Russian participants after organizers barred their participation. This context has shaped a cautious yet persistent presence for Russian players on major tours, with many seeking to demonstrate resilience and high performance under neutral status.
As of this update, the Australian Open holder is Belarusian tennis star Arina Sabalenka, who has been a dominant presence in the tournament in recent years. Her ongoing success frames the competitive landscape in which young talents like Andreeva are making rapid strides, illustrating a new generation’s potential to challenge established rivals on big stages.
Historically, observers have asked what a youngster like Andreeva must do to continue succeeding at Grand Slams. The prevailing view is that continued precision, mental fortitude, and the ability to translate early momentum into consistent pressure will be crucial as she faces tougher rounds and seasoned opponents in Melbourne and beyond.