CNN
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It’s been quite a weekend for Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva. On Saturday, she celebrated her 16th birthday and also continued her remarkable progression at the Madrid Open.
Andreeva, ranked world No. 194 and wildcard for the tournament, beat world No. 19 Magda Linette 6-3 6-3 on clay in Spain.
Earlier in the week, Andreeva had already become the seventh youngest player in this century to beat a top 20 player, according to the WTA, defeating world number 14 Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight sets in the second round.
The Russian was a runner-up at this year’s junior Australian Open and now has 16 professional wins to her credit.
Her next opponent is defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. Victory over Sabalenka, the world No. 2, in the fourth round on Monday and the teenager’s name will no doubt become more widely known.
The Russian’s rise has been so rapid that she does not yet have a photo or biography on the WTA website.
“I didn’t expect to be here and play Sabalenka in the round of 16,” Andreeva told Tennis Channel, according to the WTA.
“I’m not really surprised at my level, because I know how well I can play on the pitch… but of course I didn’t expect to be here and go this far.”
The Russian said she had “nothing to lose” against Sabalenka.
“I just have to go out there and show the best tennis I can,” she said. “There is no pressure for me.
“There’s some pressure on her, I think, because she’s going to play a 16-year-old girl. Most likely we’ll be playing in a stadium, so I’m excited to do that.
