TEENAGE sensation Mirra Andreeva repeatedly punched herself in frustration then later burst into tears after her landmark Wimbledon win.
The 16-year-old Russian has taken the tennis world by storm this year.
Mirra Andreeva punched herself after losing a crucial game
The 16-year-old was furious with herself and let it show
And she booked her place in the fourth round on her Wimbledon debut with a superb 6-2 7-5 win over compatriot Anastasia Potapova.
But after failing to break Potapova serve despite seven break points at 4-4 in the second, Andreeva let her anger out on her own thigh on her way back to the chair trailing 5-4.
The teen whacked herself time and time again – furious she was not able to get the break despite already coming from 4-1 down.
But she managed to get the all-important breakthrough in Potapova’s next service game.
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And the inexperienced youngster kept her composure to serve out for victory.
Then as she took her seat and soaked up the win, the Siberian qualifier – aiming to replicate Emma Raducanu’s success at the 2021 US Open – broke down in tears and buried her head in her towel.
Andreeva said: “I’m really happy that I won.
“It was an amazing battle and she played really well.
“I did everything I could and gave it all I had.
“Of course I feel great. Even if I wanted to show some emotions I couldn’t because I was out of breath almost every point.”
Andreeva has struck up a text relationship with Andy Murray in recent weeks – but revealed she had not been able to catch up with the Scot in person.
She said: “Of course I do enjoy the amazing atmosphere here.
“You see all the players, like Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray – but I haven’t said ‘Hi’ to him yet.
“The atmosphere is great and hopefully next year I’ll be in the different locker room from this year, the one that is the level above. I will do everything for that.”
Andreeva let it all out in celebration as she secured the win
She sat back in her chair and cried into her towel
It was an emotional moment for the qualifier on her Wimbledon debut
