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Aryna Sabalenka gave youngster Mira Andreeva a tough lesson with a 6-3, 6-1 win in Madrid yesterday.
Sabalenka dropped just four games as she pushed the in-form youngster and seemed to be paying close attention to what the 16-year-old was saying.
Going into the match, Andreyeva said she was under no pressure and Sabalenka let it be known that she would be relaxed in her mindset.
«When I was here, I didn’t think I would play in the round of 16,» Andreeva told Tennis Channel.
“I’m not really surprised by my ranking, because I know how to play on court but I really didn’t think I’d be here and go here.
“I have nothing to lose. I have to go out there and play the best tennis I can. There is no pressure on me. She is going to play a 16-year-old girl, so there is some pressure on her. Most likely, we will play in some stadium, so I’m very excited to do that,» Andreeva said.
Sabalenka said that if you want to be a top player, there will always be pressure when you leave the court.
She added that there were clear signs that her opponent was under pressure during their confrontation.
«I don’t believe she’s under any pressure, and I felt she had a little bit of pressure on the court today,» Sabalenka said.
«There’s always pressure on the pitch.’
“If she wants to be a top player, she has something to lose. There is always pressure on both of us, and I think she had to deal with the pressure. she added.
Sabalenka has noticed a huge difference between where she is today and when she arrived in Madrid as a once bright young woman.
“It’s a big difference, I’m a different person now and I think I’m more stable. I am able to focus on myself more than before and not be distracted by everything that is going on,” she said.
Sabalenka will face Egyptian seed Mayar Sherif next season and is cautious about her performance as she advances to the fourth round.
“She has beaten a lot of good players in the past and she plays well on clay. I am looking forward to this match and I will prepare myself as much as possible, Sabalenka commented.
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