Teenager Andreeva marches into Wimbledon last 16

HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP

Seventh seed Mirra Andreeva outclassed American Hailey Baptiste 6-1 6-3 under the Court One roof to equal her best Wimbledon run by reaching the last 16 on Saturday.

In a first week littered with fallen seeds, 18-year-old Andreeva has made reaching the business end of the tournament look like a breeze and is yet to drop a set.

She has reached the third round of the doubles too with partner Diana Shnaider, also without losing a set.

The Russian's clean hitting proved too much for 55th-ranked Baptiste who has enjoyed an impressive Wimbledon main draw debut, having reached the fourth round at Roland Garros.

"Honestly, today I was so focused today," Andreeva, who is coached by former champion Conchita Martinez, said.

"I watched her first round and I knew it would be tough because she creates a lot of different stuff on the court and has a rocket of a forehand.

"With every match I play I feel my level is rising."

Three service breaks delivered a one-sided first set in 31 minutes but Baptiste loosened up in the second and produced eye-catching tennis of her own, especially off the forehand which often had Andreeva at full stretch.

Had she taken any of the five break points she had when trailing 4-2 things could have got interesting but Andreeva held on, letting out a yell that echoed around the arena.

Andreeva, the highest seed left in the bottom half of the draw, wrapped up victory two games later and will next meet either defending champion Barbora Krejcikova or American 10th seed Emma Navarro.

More from Sports News

  • Williams to face Australia's Joint in Wimbledon comeback

    American great Serena Williams will face Australian 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round of her eagerly awaited return to Wimbledon, a potentially tricky tie for the seven-time champion playing at the tournament for the first time since 2022.

  • Australia reach World Cup knockouts, Turkey beat USA

    Australia booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Thursday after a cagey draw against Paraguay, who are set to qualify as a third-placed finisher, while Turkey beat USA 3-2, scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.

  • Netherlands win Group F, Japan and Sweden also through

    The Netherlands scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the first half en route to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City in Group F, while Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Texas.

  • Beccacece hails Ecuador's biggest World Cup victory

    Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said all Ecuadoreans have a lot to celebrate on Thursday after the country's biggest World Cup result ever, coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1 and advance to the knockout stage.

  • New Zealand openers break record against England

    New Zealand took control of the third Test at Trent Bridge with Tom Latham and Devon Conway setting a record partnership for the Kiwis against England on Thursday.

Coming Up