French Open: Unbothered by Mirra Andreeva’s Prodigal Reputation, Peyton Stearns Delivers a Stoic Response Ahead of Spicy R3 Clash

Peyton Stearns and Mirra Andreeva are two of the brightest prospects in women’s tennis. Both of them are having a stellar season this year. Stearns recently won her first WTA singles title in Rabat and now she is carrying forward her winning run in Paris. She is currently on a 7-match winning streak, the 22-year-old American defeated Daria Kasatkina (13) in the second round. With this victory, she has now marked her second win against a Top 20 player. Next up for her is the 17-year-old Russian tennis sensation, Mirra Andreeva. How does Stearns look into this intriguing R3 contest?

Well, Andreeva believes this is “just like any other match” but surely this opponent is not like “just any other opponent“! Mirra Andreeva is entering this contest after defeating the former world number one, Victoria Azarenka by 6-3,3-6,7-5 in the second round. Andreeva (38) turned into a pro in 2022 and is currently already inside the Top 50. She was in fact last season’s WTA Newcome of the Year and this is the second time she’ll be making the third round at the Roland Garros. But still, Peyton Stearns believes Mirra Andreeva’s reputation is not going to have any impact on her.

During a recent interview in Paris, Stearns said, “I spoke with [Hill] about this and you’ve just got to take it match by match. That’s it.” She is currently coached by the renowned tennis coach Tom Hill. Peyton Stearns went on to add, “You can’t really think of, ‘Oh, it’s the third round or second round or fourth round or this opponent or whatever.’ Because then you kind of get caught up in emotions and those can affect how you can play. I’m just focused on playing my best tomorrow.” This will be the second time they will be meeting each other.

In their previous meeting at the 2024 Dubai Tennis Championships, Stearns defeated Andreeva by 6-2,2-6,6-1. The Russian hit one ace and committed eight double faults in that match, whereas the American fired three aces and committed five double faults. Mirra Andreeva won 53% of her first serve and 52% of her second serve. It was 68% and 67% respectively for Stearns. She converted just five of her thirteen breakpoints in that match, but her opponent, Mirra Andreeva converted three out of her nine breakpoints. But this time the surface will be different.

Mirra Andreeva certainly has the prowess to be hugely successful on the clay court. Her tactical maturity can prove to be handy on the dirt against the American opponent. Did you know Andreeva’s rapid once drew praise from Peyton Stearns’ tennis idol?

Peyton Stearns’ idol picks the player whom she thinks will have a breakthrough season this year

Once during an interview, Peyton Stearns was asked to reflect a bit on her tennis hero during her childhood days. In reply to the question, she revealed, ” I guess Maria Sharapova was one I used to watch a lot.” Maria Sharapova on the other hand, was found to be a big fan of Mirra Andreeva. Earlier this month the tennis legend gave an interview with WTA and revealed the name of the player whom she thinks will have a stellar season in 2024.

Sharapova said, “I want to say Mirra Andreeva will have a phenomenal year. I followed a little bit of her matches in 23’ and I think she has a strong attitude [and] she has the game to back it up.” The 37-year-old Russian went on to add, “Genuinely, just like her approach and her sensibility in the game. And I think she has a very bright future ahead of her.” Both Stearns and Andreeva have previously teamed up with each other to play doubles event. But this will be the second time they will be playing against each other on the tour. Who do you think will have the last laugh in Paris?