On Wednesday, day 4 of the Grand Slam 2024, the future generation of women tennis players, Mirra Andreeva and Maria Timofeeva, emerged as the shining stars at the Rod Laver Arena. The young Russians outplayed sixth seed Ons Jabeur and previous champion Caroline Wozniacki in the Australian Open second round.
The 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva defeated 29-year-old Jabeur 6-0, 6-2, in just fifty-four minutes. Andreeva will next face Diane Pary of France in the third round, or her fellow Russian player, Kamilla Rakhimova. Additionally, it was Andreeva’s second appearance on Melbourne’s centre court following her defeat by fellow Russian Alina Korneeva in the 2023 girls’ final. Currently, Andreeva is balancing her studies with her aim of becoming a professional tennis player.
Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Timofeeva equally amazed the audience while playing against 2018 champion Wozniacki. Wozniacki had an easy win in the first set but broke down in the second. Timofeeva forced her way back into the match and won 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 against Wozniacki, who is 13 years her senior.
The Australian Open matches held on the outdoor courts were delayed for more than three hours due to rain.
