Mirra Andreeva fought from a set and a break down to edge past Katie Volynets in her opening match at the Qatar Open on Sunday. (More Tennis News)
๐ปAndreeva emerged a 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victor in a contest that lasted over two-and-a-half hours to keep her hopes of lifting a second WTA-Tour level title alive.
๏ทฝBut American qualifier Volynets, who pushedย Elena Rybakina all the way in their clash in Abu Dhabi last week, recovered from an early break to take the opening set.ย
๐ฒAndreeva traded several blows with her opponent in the second, as the setย went to a tie-break, with the 17-year-old Russian prevailing to take the encounter the distance.ย
๊ฆThe world number 15 opened the decider with a break of serve before being pegged back by Volynets, but was able to break once again in the ninth game.ย
๐ณAndreeva closed out the win with a fierce volley, setting up a clash with either Anhelina Kalinina or Rebecca Sramkova in the next round of the competition.ย
Data Debrief: Australian Open hangover for Andreeva
๐ธIn her first appearance since her fourth-round exit to eventual winner Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open last month, there were signs of rust from Andreeva.ย
๊งDespite serving 11 aces, Andreeva registered five double faults in the contest, while also managing to save just one of the five break points she faced in the contest.ย
๐ฅThough not at her best, Andreeva did enough to progress to the next round, but knows she must improve if she is to lift the title in Qatar.ย
