Mirra Andreeva has reflected on her tearful end to the 2024 season (Image: Getty)
Mirra Andreeva has addressed her tearful end to the 2024 season after getting off to a great start in the new year.
The teenage sensation suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the Ningbo Open final in October and
After having some time to reflect, Andreeva explained her emotional reaction while competing at the Brisbane International.
The world No. 16 ended 2024 on a sour note. Facing Daria Kasatkina in the Ningbo Open final, she stormed into a 3-0 lead in the final set but lost 6-0 4-6 6-4.
A distraught Andreeva struggled to compose herself during her runner-up speech and started to choke up as she congratulated her opponent. It sparked a touching moment as Kasatkina raced to the stage to comfort the 17-year-old.
Andreeva has since returned action for the first time since that crushing defeat, competing in both singles and doubles at last week’s WTA 500 in Brisbane. And she got off to a strong start, going deep in both draws.
But she hasn’t forgotten about Ningbo, though she can now see the funny side of her tearful response. “Well, that final was something special,” Andreeva said after her round-of-16 victory.
Mirra Andreeva sobbed and needed to be comforted after losing the Ningbo Open final (Image: Sky Sports)
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“But honestly I got emotional because, well, I led 3-0 in the third set, and I lost 6-4. It’s never easy to lose the match when you’re almost always the one who is up in the score.
“Of course, I got emotional, as well, because for me it was the chance to win my second title. Of course, it’s not really nice when you lose in the final. Yes, this was a bit heavy. Well, not a nice moment.”
The 17-year-old was also glad to share a special moment with Kasatkina, though she admitted it didn’t help. Andreeva continued: “After with Dasha, we shared nice moments together.
“She tried to calm me down. I don’t think she succeeded because after that I started crying even more.
It’s a learning experience, as well. I just have to accept it. Now when I look at those videos when I’m crying, I just laugh at myself because I couldn’t hold it inside. Yes, it’s again an experience that had to be there in my career.”
The Russian star also enjoyed a good run to start her 2025 season, reaching the Brisbane International semi-final before losing to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
The teenager also managed to lift a trophy in doubles, teaming up with compatriot Diana Shnaider. They beat Priscilla Hon and Anna Kalinskaya in the championship match.