French Open 2024: Mirra Andreeva’s Coach Deemed ‘Wicked’ for Brutal Advice Amid Aryna Sabalenka’s Physical Struggles

As if Novak Djokovic’s injury setback wasn’t enough, the French Open has been rocked by another big star suffering an untimely injury. Aryna Sabalenka was seen struggling during her ongoing quarterfinal match against Mirra Andreeva. During the first set, Sabalenka even called the physio when the score was 4-3. Despite Sabalenka visibly struggling, Mirra Andreeva’s coach, Conchita Martinez made a brutal comment.

Andreeva’s coach was heard shouting to the Russian star to make Sabalenka move on the court. Her comments were captured by the audio and it went viral on social media. She was slammed by many for being ‘wicked’ with her comments even as Sabalenka appeared to be in pain.

With Andreeva giving her a tough fight and injury concerns cropping up, the Belarusian tennis star looked visibly unhappy and uncomfortable. She took a few half steps towards the chair as if to retire but turned back to make a return. Amid this, Andreeva got some ‘wicked’ tips from her coach about keeping Sabalenka running from one side to the other.

Moreover, the first set wasn’t the only occasion that Sabalenka called up the physio. In the second set too after being a break down, the World Number 2 looked in visible distress and not very comfortable. Nonetheless, she decided to continue and the third set is currently underway. Meanwhile, Andreeva has received plaudits from all across the tennis world, with Polish legend speaking highly about her.

Agnieszka Radwańska backs Mirra Andreeva to go all out against Aryna Sabalenka

Andreeva and Sabalenka are engrossed in a thrilling battle that can go either way. However, even before the match started, Andreeva received a huge boost as Radwanska’s comments lifted her morale.

She said, “She’s not really seeing everything around [her]. She’s doing what she needs to do on court and is very focused on herself. That’s the really good thing: really focusing on what you have to focus on.”

Further, Radwanska went on to add, “[When I was 17] I wasn’t terrified at all. Actually at my point, I wasn’t really thinking about anything. It was like ‘Okay, big stadium and everybody be watching’,  for me it was just like another day, without any pressure and without any thinking.”

Meanwhile, Andreeva is all praise of her coach for the heights she has achieved in her career. Although she still has a long way to go in her career, we are already seeing a glimpse of what Andreeva can offer going forward.