Mirra Andreeva makes remarkable prize money revelation ahead of "nightmare" first battle with sister Erika at Wuhan Open 2024
Mirra Andreeva is gearing up for her first-ever career clash with sister Erika at the 2024 Wuhan Open. The teenager recently shared her feelings about the highly anticipated battle while announcing a remarkable decision about their prize money.
Andreeva, who cracked the top 20 this week after her impressive run to the China Open quarterfinals, has kept the ball rolling at the ongoing WTA 1000 in Wuhan. After beating local Wang Xiyu 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the opening round on Tuesday, October 8, she has set up a thrilling contest with her sister, Erika, in the second round on Wednesday.
Erika Andreeva, ranked No. 70 in the world, battled through the qualifiers and beat Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 7-5, 6-4, in the first round to confirm her spot against her younger sister.
Ahead of their "nightmare" meeting, Mirra Andreeva shed light on their unofficial duels, confessing that she was bested by her sibling.
"Well, last time we played like a practice match, not just some exercises, like the real match, I think it was maybe three to five years ago, something like that. I didn't win," she, smiling, during her post-match press conference in Wuhan.
"It would be like a nightmare to play against her because it would also be a pretty weird match I think because she would know what I would do on the court, and I know what she does on the court," Mirra Andreeva noted.
The 17-year-old also announced that regardless of the result, the sisters plan to split the prize money they earn for the second-round win.
"But yeah, we decided that we're going to split the prize money for the second round. Whoever wins just goes forward. We're going to just split the prize money," she added.
Mirra Andreeva on facing sister Erika Andreeva at Wuhan Open 2024: "It's going to be a nervous match for my parents"
During the aforementioned press conference, Mirra Andreeva said she expects the Wuhan Open match to be “really stressful” for both her and her sister.
"I think it's going to be fun, of course, for the people who are watching, but it's going to be really stressful for the both of us I think," she said.
The 17-year-old also joked about her parents’ dilemma while cheering on their daughters.
"But yeah, of course I'm curious to see who's going to win tomorrow. It's going to be a nervous match, for sure. For my parents, especially," Andreeva said, smiling.
Erika and Mirra Andreeva have made substantial progress on the tour this season. The latter, ranked World No. 19, won her first tour-level title at the 2024 Iasi Open.
Mirra also made her maiden Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open and reached the final eight at three WTA 1000 events—in Madrid, Cincinnati, and Beijing, so far. She clinched the silver medal in women’s doubles at the Paris Olympics.
Meanwhile, Erika Andreeva made her top-100 debut in February. The 20-year-old also reached the Round of 64 at the Wimbledon Championship and the US Open and has been making steady progress in the rankings.