Russia’s Mirra Andreeva had an enjoyable day at Wimbledon. The 18-year-old is still very much alive in the race to clinch her first Grand Slam title as she defeated America’s Emma Navarro in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-3 in the fourth round.
That, however, was not the only exciting development Andreeva had during the competition, as another one was waiting. That excitement was about seeing her coach, Conchita Martinez, play in the legends event at the All England Club.
Martinez featured in the mixed doubles category with the former British number one, Greg Rusedski, and had a very excited supporter sitting in the stands, Andreeva, who, before arriving for the match, shared that she was thinking about what sort of poster she would make to show her support for her coach. “I’m already thinking about a poster that I will make," said Andreeva before watching the contest. “I will come to the court and support and, obviously, coach. That’s my time to get back at her.”
Andreeva lived up to her words and brought a handmade poster which stated: “Let’s go! Señorita Topspin,” and “You are golden.” During the match, Andreeva kept shouting from the stands: “You'd better win this game!" and "Keep it up!"
That support was not enough for her coach on the day as she and Rusedski lost to the pair of Katie O'Brien and Thomas Johansson in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-3. After the match, Andreeva, who is set to face Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals, was full of praise for her coach and stated that she has been ‘grateful’ to be working with Martinez.
"I'm super grateful [that] fate ... kind of brought us together," she said while talking to the media. "From the first practice that we've had together, I just felt like she understands me, and I understand what she wants from me. I feel like now having her in my box, especially during this tournament, is also super special because she can give me and share with me so much experience. She's a great supporter. She also understands sometimes when I feel more pressure or more tight. Sometimes I don't even need to say these things because she can also right away see it. Then we talk and then it gets much easier. To have such an experienced person by my side is super, super special for me."
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