The excitement is palpable as the WTA 1000 in Madrid enters its fourth round on Monday, April 28, 2025. With all eyes on the court, the stage is set for an electrifying day of tennis featuring some of the sport's most promising talents. Among them is the 17-year-old sensation Mirra Andreeva, who has already made headlines this season with her remarkable achievements, including two WTA 1000 titles. The question on everyone’s mind is whether she can continue her impressive run and add another title to her collection.
As the tournament progresses, four intriguing matchups are scheduled, each with its own set of narratives and stakes. First up is the clash between Marta Kostyuk and Anastasia Potapova. The two players, who were once seen as future stars, have faced challenges in their careers thus far. Potapova holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record at 2-1, but both players will be looking to seize this opportunity to advance further in the tournament. Potapova has shown flashes of brilliance this week, and despite the fatigue that comes with a grueling tournament, she might just carry that momentum into this match. Prediction: Potapova in three sets.
Next, Moyuka Uchijima takes on Ekaterina Alexandrova in what marks their first meeting on the tour. Uchijima has been on a remarkable rise, having previously dominated the ITF circuit and now making waves at higher levels. Her recent victories over established players such as Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula have solidified her status as a formidable competitor. However, Alexandrova’s aggressive playing style could pose a significant challenge, especially given the favorable conditions in Madrid for her type of game. Prediction: Alexandrova in three sets.
In another highly anticipated match, Elina Svitolina faces off against Maria Sakkari. Both players are well-acquainted with each other, splitting their previous encounters evenly at 2-2. Sakkari has recently reunited with her former coach, Tom Hill, and appears to have regained some of her confidence on the court. Svitolina, on the other hand, has shown her mettle by defeating the powerful Elena Rybakina in the previous round. This match is expected to be a battle of wills, with both players eager to secure a place in the quarterfinals. Prediction: Svitolina in three sets.
Finally, the spotlight shines brightly on Mirra Andreeva as she prepares to take on Yuliia Starodubtseva. This marks their first encounter, but Andreeva is no stranger to high-pressure situations. After a spectacular run in the tournament, including a straight-sets victory over Marie Bouzkova and a hard-fought win against Magdalena Frech, Andreeva is poised to make a significant impact. She has a remarkable 23-5 record this season and has never lost before the Round of 16 in Madrid, further emphasizing her potential. As she approaches her 18th birthday, her focus remains on the tournament, stating, "I don’t want to become an adult so soon. And I don’t really expect any gifts, because I hope that I will still be playing in Madrid at that time." With her confidence and skill, Andreeva is expected to advance past Starodubtseva. Prediction: Andreeva in two sets.
Andreeva’s rise in the tennis world has been meteoric. Just two years into her professional career, she has already claimed two WTA 1000 titles, becoming the youngest finalist and champion in Dubai this season, as well as winning at the BNP Paribas Open. Her current ranking at No. 7 is a testament to her hard work and dedication, making her one of the most exciting players to watch this year.
Despite her success, Andreeva has expressed her fears about adulthood, admitting her shyness even around tennis legends like Novak Djokovic. "When we see each other, we greet, although I am still very shy around him," she shared. This humility, coupled with her fierce competitive spirit, makes her a fan favorite and a player to watch closely in the coming years.
As the matches unfold, the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation. The outcomes of these matches could significantly impact the rankings and set the stage for the rest of the season. With Mirra Andreeva leading the charge among the young talents, her journey through the Madrid Open will be one to follow closely.
In other news, Taylor Fritz achieved a significant milestone by recording his 300th career win at this event, becoming the first active American man to reach this landmark. His victory over Baez, which ended with a score of 4-6, 7-5 (retired), is a testament to his resilience and skill on the court.
Both Fritz and Andreeva's achievements at the Madrid Open highlight the dynamic evolution of tennis, where emerging talents are making significant impacts. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect thrilling matches and perhaps more milestones from these rising stars.
