“I would say that my number one goal would be to claim the top 10, just to secure myself there and of course, I think as every other player on tour, I would like to win some titles,” Mirra Andreeva said in the lead up to the 2025 Australian Open. At just 17, the Russian sensation has already caught the eyes of the tennis world with some amazing performances in her short career.

Coming on the back of a wonderful 2024 season, Andreeva would look to make a confident start in the first major tournament of the season. However, it won’t be a cakewalk for her as she is set for a stern challenge first-up. Andreeva will face 26-year-old Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic. The latter is a constant feature in big tournaments and would look to spoil Andreeva’s party when they meet in the first round of the Australian Open.

Mirra Andreeva vs. Marie Bouzkova: Preview

Last year, Mirra Andreeva managed to reach the fourth round of the Grand Slam Down Under before losing out to Barbora Krejcikova. Subsequently, she followed it up with a semifinal finish at the French Open, her best result at a major tournament. However, the Russian ace would look to improve on that and reach the business end of the upcoming Australian Open. Andreeva has had a good start to this season. She made it to the semifinal of the Brisbane International and won the women’s doubles title there. Subsequently, she decided to skip Adelaide International and flew directly to Melbourne.

Like Andreeva, Bouzkova also had a decent 2024 season, putting on consistent displays at the tournaments. Additionally, she also reached the summit clash of a couple of events. However, her record at the Australian Open doesn’t look promising. Last year, she lost in the first round and a second round appearance is the best that she has managed so far.

Nonetheless, Bouzkova would be inspired by her results in the warm-up tournaments in the lead-up to the Australian Open. She reached the quarterfinal of the Brisbane International before losing against Aryna Sabalenka. Thus, it promises to be a thrilling encounter between Andreeva and Bouzkova in Melbourne.

Andreeva vs. Bouzkova: Head-to-head stats

While Bouzkova has been playing on the WTA Tour for a long time, Andreeva emerged on the circuit just a few years back. As a result, the two haven’t faced each other yet at any tournament. The Australian Open first-round match will be the maiden encounter between Andreeva and Bouzkova. With no head-to-head battles between the duo in the past, expect some surprises when the two face each other for the first time in Melbourne.

Prediction: Andreeva to eke out a hard-fought win

Owing to her consistent run last year, Andreeva has entered the top 20 of the WTA rankings and is positioned in the 15th spot. On the other hand, Bouzkova lies in the 42nd position. While Andreeva has three wins and a loss this season, Bouzkova has won five matches and suffered two losses.

Nonetheless, we have seen in the past that Andreeva raises her game in Grand Slam tournaments. Additionally, Andreeva’s first-serve stats really stand out from her opponents. In her win over Ons Jabeur at the Brisbane International, she won a whopping 71.7% of her first serve points.

Owing to the above reasons, Andreeva is expected to defeat Bouzkova in their first-round match. However, Bouzkova has also shown glimpses of amazing tennis and would take a set away from Andreeva. Their match will take place tomorrow at John Cain Arena. Who do you got? Tell us in the comment section below!