Mirra Andreeva has already beaten her next Australian Open opponent once even though she’s sick of player her.

TENNIS-AUS-OPEN

Mirra Andreeva continues to take the tennis world by storm (Image: Getty)

Australian Open star Mirra Andreeva admits she’s ‘“tired” of constantly playing world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.

The pair are set to go head-to-head in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Sunday morning, with the pair having already come face-to-face this year.

Sabalenka despatched Andreeva 2-0 at the Brisbane International in early January, having also played at the French Open last year.

And speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash Down Under, Andreeva – albeit tongue in cheek – said she was hoping for a different opponent at this year’s Open.

The Russian said: “I had the chance to spend time with her in Dubai a few weeks ago, and it was great. I realised she is a very nice person. But I’m tired of competing against her. We have played four or five times already. I don’t know, I hope it will be a fun match; I will give my best.

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“I’ve reached a point where I am aware of how well I can play, but I try not to dwell on it, nor do I pay too much attention to what people expect from me.”

Given Andreeva is only 17, it’s quite impressive she’s already come up against Sabalenka five times on the WTA Tour.

But after her quarter-final victory over the Belarussian at Roland-Garros last year, the teenager does at least know what it’s like to get one over Sabalenka.

Sabalenka has been in imperious form since arriving at the Australian Open, with the pre-tournament favourite yet to drop a set in her three matches so far.

Speaking after her latest victory, a straight sets win over Clara Tauson, she said: “Well, definitely the atmosphere helps me a lot here. I’d say that I gained, I don’t know, my people here throughout the years. Now every time I’m out there, I really feel all the support. It’s amazing. It’s a dream. That’s why probably I’m so motivated every time I’m out there.

2024 French Open - Day 11

Mirra Andreeva stunned Aryna Sabalenka at the 2024 French Open (Image: Getty)

“Honestly, the statistics are incredible. It’s like, Wow. If someone would tell me five years ago that I’ll get to this point, I’d be like, Okay, whatever, let’s just take it one step at a time. It’s not like knowing that statistic going to help me to keep winning.”

She added: “I still have to go there. I still have to, as you see, fight for every point. I have to bring my best tennis. If not best tennis, then best fighting spirit. I just take it one step at a time. I’m trying to focus on myself.”