Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva has broken yet more records after latest WTA ranking boost.
Russia’s 17-year-old superstar Mirra Andreeva has enjoyed another successful week on the WTA Tour after reaching the last eight of the China Open.
Andreeva put together a string of clever wins as she grew into the tournament, eventually reaching her seventh quarter-final of the year and fourth at WTA 1000 level or above.
In front of an electric home crowd, she succumbed to China’s first Olympic Champion Qinwen Zheng in a feisty three sets.
With history-making a staple part of the Russian’s armoury, she has now managed to break a 19-year old record.
Mirra Andreeva breaks 19-year WTA record as she breaks into the top 20
It’s been a wondrous year on tour for the energetic, smiley 17-year-old. A maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open arrived after the teenager battled past Aryna Sabalenka.
The Russian later clinched Olympic silver in the doubles with partner Diana Shnaider, prompting Andreeva to say she wants to play for 20 more years on the WTA Tour.
Having narrowly missed out on another semi-final in Beijing, Andreeva has however managed to break into the WTA top 20 for the first time.
She is the youngest player to be ranked inside the top 20 since a 17-year-old Nicole Vaidisova in October 2006.
Furthermore, Andreeva is the youngest to crack the top 20 for the first time since Vaidisova 12 months before in October 2005.
How good can Mirra Andreeva really be?
Teen sensations can often fade, failing to live up to their assumed potential.
Eugenie Bouchard had a taste of a Grand Slam final in a glorious break-out year in 2014. She however suffered injury and coaching set-backs that ultimately totally disrupted what could have been.
Andreeva’s strong baseline game, combined with excellent movement and court awareness, allows her to compete with players with significantly more WTA experience.
As she continues to gain experience and improve her physical and mental toughness, she will only add to her four top 10 wins.
If she stays healthy, Andreeva has all the tools to become a future Grand Slam champion.
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