Andreeva on Svitolina: "I know she's a fighter who chases every ball"
The quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells are here. While the favorites are mostly still in the running, with Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Madison Keys still in contention for the prestigious Californian tournament, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva continues her strong form.
On a streak of nine consecutive wins since her title in Dubai in recent weeks, the young Russian, who just secured a convincing victory in the round of 16 against Elena Rybakina (6-1, 6-2), will face Elina Svitolina this Thursday evening in an attempt to qualify for the semifinals.
Ahead of their first encounter on the main tour, Andreeva, the world No. 11, was asked about the 30-year-old Ukrainian, who has reached the quarterfinals in this tournament category for the first time in four years (this will be her 21st WTA 1000 quarterfinal).
"I've never played against her, but I've seen her play in many Grand Slam tournaments and other WTA tournaments when I wasn't on the tour yet. So I know she's a fighter who chases every ball. She plays a bit more aggressively now.
But all these little details are the job of Conchita (Martinez, Andreeva's coach), who has to prepare me. I remember at the 2021 US Open, she played against Simona Halep (Svitolina won 6-3, 6-3 against the Romanian in the round of 16), and that's the first match of hers I watched live.
We went to the stadium, I watched their match, and I thought to myself that I would play here one day. But I never really thought about whether I would play against her one day or not.
I just remembered that I wanted to play on those big courts in New York, and I haven't played there yet, but I hope it will happen this year," Andreeva assured.
Indian Wells 
