Mirra Andreeva breezed through her clash with older sister Erika, leading 6-2, 2-0 when Erika withdrew due to injury (or family shame).
2025 WTA Tour
WTA 500
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix- Stuttgart Open
Porsche Arena, Stuttgart, Germany (Indoor Clay)
Selected Round of 16 Matches- 17th April
Mirra Andreeva (6) vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
She is now 21-4 in what is turning out to be an sensational year for the teenager (she is still just 17). Andreeva started the year well enough, reaching the semifinals in Brisbane before a highly creditable 4th round run at the Aussie Open. But she really came to life during the WTA 1000 events, winning back-to-back titles in Dubai and Indian Wells (which put her on the brink of breaking into the top five). She created history at Indian Wells, beating Swiatek in the semis and Sabalenka in the final, becoming the 2nd youngest woman in history to beat the top two seeds at the same event. She has improved immeasurably in a short period of time, adding some ping on her serve while increasing ball speed throughout her game. Andreeva is a sound defensive player who has already shown an aptitude for clay-court tennis, reaching the semifinals at Roland Garros last season.
Next up for Andreeva is another fellow Russian: Ekaterina Alexandrova. The big-hitting Alexandrova has enjoyed an exciting boom-or-bust campaign. She has reached the semifinal stage or better in three events this year, claiming her maiden WTA 500 crown at the Linz Open. She reached the semifinals at the WTA 1000 event in Qatar before going on a four-match losing streak (including back-to-back early exits during the ‘Sunshine Double’). But she broke that streak in some style last week, reaching the semifinals of the Charleston Open with victories over the likes of Zheng and Shnaider. She pushed Jessica Pegula to three sets in an absolutely gripping semifinal clash. Yet to reach a clay-court final in her career, Alexandrova tends to thrive on quicker surfaces where she can just let rip with her flat groundstrokes. However, she is a dangerous hitter and her performance in Charleston- where the courts are considerably slower- could give her some confidence this week.
The Verdict: Andreeva to win in three sets at – This will be their first career meeting. Andreeva will be making her first singles appearance in nearly three weeks and could be a tad rusty (not to mention that this will be first clay-court outing of the year). Alexandrova is a dangerous opponent who will take advantage of any hesitation. I can see Alexandrova nicking a set on these relatively quick clay surfaces. Still, Andreeva’s improved physicality and resilience should see her through in three.
