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Mirra Andreeva has already noticed a difference between playing at the Italian Open compared to Madrid

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
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Mirra Andreeva is not wasting any time in trying to get over her Madrid heartache as she chases success at the Italian Open.

Andreeva lost the Madrid Open final to Marta Kostyuk, falling just short of a third title of her impressive 2026 WTA season.

The Madrid Open runner-up turned just 19 during the WTA 1000 tournament in Spain, which is immediately followed by another in Rome.

And Andreeva has already noticed a big difference between the two events ahead of her first match at the Italian Open.

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Mirra Andreeva states Madrid vs Italian Open difference

Speaking ahead of her opener against Antonia Ruzic, the Russian said: “Honestly we just had a talk with Conchita [Martinez] on how different it is.

“Obviously in Madrid I remember I was hitting the ball, the ball was flying with altitude, it was bouncing high.

“I loved it. I love playing in Madrid.

“Here obviously the conditions are a little bit different.

“Especially today it was raining in the morning or during the night, I’m not sure, and the conditions were heavier, the ball was getting bigger.

“It’s not flying as much, as well.

“You have to be smart to adjust your game to these conditions a little bit, not keep on hitting as hard as you want, and the ball would fly as in Madrid.

“Here you have to really build the point a little bit different.”

Mirra Andreeva in action.
Photo by Victor Boykoyan/Getty Images

Mirra Andreeva handed very tough Italian Open draw

Andreeva has made a blistering start to her 2026 clay-court season, much like she did to her season in general.

The teenager lifted the trophy on the hard courts of Adelaide earlier in the year, before doing the same on the clay in Linz.

She’s now played three tournaments on the latter surface, from which she boasts a phenomenal 12-2 record.

But improving upon that record won’t be easy in Rome, with Andreeva potentially facing a tough run to the final.

She could meet Maya Joint in round three, followed by a possible round four clash with defending champion and home favorite Jasmine Paolini.

After that the Russian superstar could play Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals and Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.

And should she make it all the way to another final, Andreeva may be tasked with overcoming Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek or Jessica Pegula.