Andreeva Matches Venus Williams Feat, Sets Up Melbourne Blockbuster

MELBOURNE, 25 January 2026 – Russian phenom Mirra Andreeva has carved her name into Australian Open history, becoming the first woman since the legendary Venus Williams to reach the fourth round in each of her first three main draw appearances. The 18-year-old world No. 8 now faces a stern test of her title credentials against the in-form Elina Svitolina.

A Record of Elite Consistency

With a clinical 6-3, 6-4 victory over Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Friday, Andreeva advanced to the second week at Melbourne Park for the third consecutive year. This remarkable feat of consistency mirrors the start of Venus Williams’ career, who reached at least the fourth round in her first three Australian Open appearances between 1998 and 2001. For Andreeva, it is now seven fourth-round appearances from just 12 Grand Slam main draws contested.

Commanding Performance Against Ruse

Facing a dangerous opponent who had already eliminated seeded players, Andreeva displayed a maturity beyond her years. Utilising a clever mix of depth, slice, and tactical variety, she neutralised Ruse’s power and coaxed 44 unforced errors from the Romanian. A sequence of five consecutive breaks in the second set threatened a comeback, but Andreeva steadied with an authoritative hold for 5-3 before closing out the match in one hour and 34 minutes.

Her playful personality was on full display in the post-match interview, where she joked with former player Jelena Dokic about carrying her coach, Conchita Martínez, in a hypothetical doubles partnership. This relaxed demeanour has become a hallmark of her campaign.

Andreeva’s 2026 Season at a Glance

Svitolina Awaits in High-Stakes Fourth Round

The stage is now set for a tantalising fourth-round clash on Sunday. Andreeva will face the No. 12 seed, Elina Svitolina, who is riding an eight-match winning streak of her own after claiming the Auckland title. The Ukrainian advanced with a 7-6(4), 6-3 win over Diana Shnaider.

This will be a battle between two of the hottest players of the young season, with the pair combining for 17 wins in January alone. Their only previous meeting was in the 2025 Indian Wells quarter-finals, which Andreeva won 7-5, 6-3 en route to the title. A victory would send Andreeva into her first Australian Open quarter-final and her fourth at a major overall.

Maturity and Mentality Forge a Path

Andreeva’s rise has been marked by a significant evolution in her mental approach. Once known for superstitious routines, she deliberately broke those habits on her way to winning the Adelaide title earlier this month, a decision that has paid dividends.

“I feel like before, it was kind of harder for me, because it was all new to me,” Andreeva told ESPN regarding handling pressure. “But now, with time, also talking a lot with Conchita… I just know that it’s normal. I just have to learn how to accept it and play with it.”

Her partnership with former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martínez has been pivotal, blending hard work with a relaxed, fun-loving team environment that keeps the pressure of a Grand Slam at bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What record did Mirra Andreeva equal?

Andreeva became the first woman since Venus Williams to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open in each of her first three main draw appearances (2024, 2025, 2026).

Who will Mirra Andreeva play next at the Australian Open?

She is scheduled to face the No. 12 seed, Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, in the fourth round on Sunday 25 January.

What is Andreeva’s head-to-head record against Elina Svitolina?

Andreeva leads the head-to-head 1-0, having defeated Svitolina in the quarter-finals of Indian Wells in 2025.

How many teenagers are left in the Australian Open draw?

Following the third round, three teenagers—Andreeva (18), Victoria Mboko (19), and Iva Jovic (18)—have advanced to the fourth round, the most at a major since the 2009 US Open.