Mirra Andreeva Falls to Ekaterina Alexandrova at Stuttgart Open

STUTTGART, Germany — Rising tennis star Mirra Andreeva saw her Stuttgart Open run come to a close after losing to fellow Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova in the last 16 on Thursday. The match ended in straight sets, with Andreeva, ranked seventh in the world, falling 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour.

The 17-year-old Andreeva had been one of the tournament’s standout players this season, already capturing two titles prior to this match. She made history in February by becoming the youngest champion of a WTA 1000 event in Dubai after defeating top players Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina. She followed that success by winning the prestigious Indian Wells tournament in March, where she overturned a set deficit to claim a victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Against Alexandrova, ranked 22nd, Andreeva struggled to assert her game, with the seasoned player taking advantage early on. “I just couldn’t get into the match like I wanted to,” Andreeva said. “Ekaterina played really well, and I couldn’t find my rhythm.” This loss marks Alexandrova’s fourth victory this season against a player ranked in the top 10.

Following Andreeva’s exit, Alexandrova is set to face No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals after Pegula cruised past Poland’s Magdalena Frech 6-1, 6-1. Alexandrova’s impressive form this season has positioned her as a significant contender in the tournament.

In other quarterfinal matches, fifth seed Jasmine Paolini defeated German Jule Niemeier 6-1, 7-5 to reach the final eight for the second consecutive year. Paolini will challenge American fourth seed Coco Gauff, who dispatched Ella Seidel, also from Germany, with a decisive 6-1, 6-1 victory in just 57 minutes. “I’m doing what I love, and I think just being happy about it and trying my best is key,” Paolini stated. “When I’m sad and complaining, I’m not that good.”

Meanwhile, top seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the quarterfinals after her scheduled opponent, Anastasia Potapova, withdrew due to injury. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, a two-time Stuttgart champion, also secured her spot in the last eight.

The Stuttgart Open continues to showcase thrilling matches as the women’s draw heads toward the semifinals. Andreeva’s early exit serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of tennis at this level, though her future prospects remain bright.