Mirra Andreeva has battled into the semifinals of the Madrid Open after a hard-fought victory over Leylah Fernandez.
Andreeva defeated Fernandez 7-6(7-1), 6-3 in the Spanish capital, needing one hour and 44 minutes to secure the win.
The Russian teenager will now meet the winner of the quarterfinal clash between WTA number one Aryna Sabalenka and Hailey Baptiste.
But while she is into the last four of the Madrid Open, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for ninth seed Andreeva during the event.
She has now discussed her on-court behaviour, which particularly came under the spotlight during her three-set battle with Anna Bondar in the round of 16.
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Mirra Andreeva helped by her emotional outburst at the Madrid Open
Speaking after beating Fernandez, Andreeva said on Sky Sports Tennis: “I feel like I am playing great.
“Most of all I am very proud of how I handled my emotions because it was tricky. Leylah is a great competitor and person as well.
“We have practiced together so many times this year and at some point I felt like this year we are going to play against each other.
“It happened here in Madrid. I am super happy with the win in Madrid and how I played.”
And opening up on her emotions against Bondar, she said: “In the match yesterday which was a rollercoaster where I was up 5-1 and then it became 5-6, I started to be really down on myself and say that I am not a champion.
“As bad as it sounds, it kind of helped me in a way, because I got really mad at myself and then I won 40-0 on my serve.
“I feel like it’s not the best way to handle yourself, but once in a while it really helps to get mad at yourself and get it done.”
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Mirra Andreeva must try and emulate the all-time greats mentally
Andreeva did indeed repeat the words “I’m not a champion, I will lose” to her box after blowing a 5-1 lead in the deciding set of that test.
But she showed fantastic mental strength to eventually come through in Madrid, winning 6-7(5-7), 6-3, 7-6(7-5).
Making that feat more impressive is the fact that the Russian is only 18 years old, with her 19th birthday set to arrive during the current WTA tournament.
Her emotions have often got the better of her on court, but it’s totally understandable for such a young player, who has also proven her maturity time and again.
It’s now up to the Russian and her team to try and use her emotions to her advantage, with the all-time greats having constantly shown remarkable mental strength alongside their physical prowess.
Overjoyed Mirra Andreeva looking forward to Madrid Open semifinal
For now, however, Andreeva will be firmly focused on getting the job done at the Madrid Open, where she is seeking a sixth career WTA title.
Two of those titles have arrived in the 2026 season, with the Russian emerging victorious in Adelaide and Linz.
She’s also chasing doubles glory in Spain, and has made it to the quarterfinals alongside compatriot Diana Shnaider.
Referencing that format after her latest win, Andreeva said in her on-court interview with the WTA: “I am so happy. I cannot take the smile away from my face.
“It’s the first time I am playing in the semifinals and I am super happy that tomorrow I don’t have a singles match, so I can kind of relax for my birthday and have some more fun playing doubles.
“I’m extremely happy with the way I played and about the result so I am going to try and recover tomorrow and fight for the next match I have.”
Discussing her birthday further, she said: “Every time I play in Madrid my number one goal is to be here to celebrate my birthday.
“To me it would not be a perfect birthday if I lost today and then had my birthday tomorrow. I was doing everything I could to stop that happening, so I am super happy about that.”
And sharing her birthday wish, Andreeva noted: “It’s not a secret!
“I don’t know for some reason I really want a nice pair of high heels, so maybe age is getting the better of me, so I was looking at some pairs in different shops and I might have to consult with my parents and we will see.”
That would certainly be a nice present for the world number eight, but she may just prefer silverware at the Madrid Open this week, either in singles or doubles, or both.
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