Mirra Andreeva is making her dream come true again. This 17-year-old, who thrashed the world no. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in utmost shock in the 2024 Roland Garros, is ready to face off against another top player in Cincinnati, Iga Swiatek. Playing against skilled tennis stars is never easy, and Andreeva believes she has nothing to fear. Following her spirit, will she make another epic move today?

Andreeva has successfully entered Cincinnati’s quarterfinals. She has defeated Italy’s Jasmine Paolini by 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 at Court 10. Upon entering the quarterfinals, this Russian tennis star is waiting to play against the world number 1, Iga Swiatek. While playing against the WTA’s number one is not easy Andreeva has a different opinion. In an interview with the Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, Andreeva said, “Yes. I feel like I’m ready. Of course… she’s #1 in the world. But she’s also a human being. So I don’t think there’s something exceptional.“

Andreeva might be confident but she is not taking Swiatek lightly. Mentioning how “great,“ and “confident” Swiatek is, she said, “I’m pretty confident as well. I’m just gonna go on court and do my best. If it doesn’t go my way this time, it’ll go my way next time. I will try my hardest to make sure that this time, it’s my way tomorrow.“

The Russian has never played Swiatek before. This will be her first time facing off against Swiatek, who has a pretty good score on the hard surface. Swiatek won Doha and Indian Wells this season, offering more possibilities of her victory in this match. However, Andreeva also seems prepared. “I think we’re gonna play on center court. And I liked the center court last time. So it’s good,“ she concluded.

Andreeva has improved a lot. She defeated Aryna Sabalenka by 6(5)-7(7), 6-4,  6-4 in the 2024 French Open quarterfinals. After Monica Seles, she became the youngest Grand Slam semifinalist who defeated the world’s no 2 in the Roland Garros. Her rise began last year, and she has continued on an upward trajectory. She needs to keep the momentum going.

Many spoke of her potential and where it could take her. Serena Williams’ former coach predicted her rise, telling how she has the potential to challenge top players.

Rick Macci already predicted Mirra Andreeva’s potential to challenge Iga Swiatek

Andreeva’s performance against Sabalenka impressed Macci a lot. The American coach has a keen eye for discovering talent, and his gaze was stuck on the Russian teenager’s game. He couldn’t help but focus on the Russian’s true tennis potential, which he believes will soon help her make her way up the ladder next to players like Iga Swiatek.

“Andreeva will be top 4 by the end of the year if not sooner and right there with Iga [Swiatek], [Aryna] Sabalenka and Coco [Gauff]. Number One 100% in the future and future is sooner than later. She is wired for greatness and mentally a cut above,” Macci tweeted on X.

Not just Sabalenka, Andreeva’s defeat list includes two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka as well. Following her incredible record against skilled tennis players, it is hard to tell what will happen in her match against Swiatek. However, seeing her confidence, defeating Mirra Andreeva won’t be an easy job for Swiatek. Their clash will give Andreeva a deeper insight into what makes a tennis player fantastic. She will learn a lot in the match.