Yevgeny Kafelnikov expresses dissatisfaction with the performance shown by Mirra Andreeva at the Australian Open. Big titles are even completely excluded with their current game.
von tennisnet.com
last edited: February 4, 2026, 6:42 p.m
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Mirra Andreeva was considered a title candidate before the Australian Open. The Russian’s deserved exit against Elina Svitolina in the round of 16 buried all hopes of an outstanding tournament for the 18-year-old. For compatriot Yevgeny Kafelnikov, the defeat against Svitolina was not just a defeat, but a revelation. After this performance, the former world number one even denies the teenager the chance of a Grand Slam title.
“I wish I hadn’t seen this match,” summed up Kafelnikov in a podcast format and harshly criticized Mirra Andreeva: “This duel revealed numerous deficiencies in her game. The way she is currently playing, she has no chance of a Grand Slam success or becoming number one in the world rankings.” For the Australian Open winner from 1999, one thing is certain: “She has to change a lot now!”
Andreeva travels to Dubai to defend her title
Mirra Andreeva could definitely meet this demand. The seventh in the world rankings presented herself thoughtfully after the clear exit in Melbourne and announced a comprehensive analysis. Age clearly speaks in favor of the Russian woman. Having just come of age and already having two 1000 titles in the showcase, you can quickly regain your self-confidence.
Andreeva has one of the two titles to defend in Dubai later this month, so a lot of points are at stake. The four-time WTA Tour winner can show directly whether she can withstand the growing pressure. Yevgeny Kafelnikov’s opinion would certainly be more positive again.
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