How Madrid final loss fueled Mirra Andreeva’s new winning outlook

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Mirra Andreeva fell just short of claiming her third WTA 1000 title, losing in straight sets to Marta Kostyuk in the Madrid Open final.

The Russian was beaten 6-3, 7-5 by the Ukrainian, who was in impressive form and picked up her first WTA 1000 trophy. Andreeva had been hoping to add a third title to her collection this season but struggled to match Kostyuk’s level throughout.

After the defeat, Andreeva spoke about how her mindset around the sport has shifted in recent times. She told reporters.

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Mirra Andreeva shares honest reflection after losing Madrid Open final​

In her post-match interview, Andreeva opened up about how her mindset has changed since the last time she played in Madrid: “I think the way I approach matches has changed a lot.

“Because even when I was playing against Aryna in my first tournament here in Madrid, I was just trying to enjoy the atmosphere.

“I wasn’t expecting anything from myself, so I was just playing like every match was my last match. I was just trying to give it all.

“And, you know, I knew that I couldn’t tell myself anything bad if I would lose because no one expected me to win so many matches that year.

She continued: “But now, of course, I know how well I can play. Everyone knows how well I can play as well. So now it’s a matter of how to keep that level every time you play and how to keep that consistency as well.”

Mirra Andreeva turns focus to the doubles final at the Madrid Open​

Andreeva’s singles campaign may be over, but she still has a shot at silverware in the doubles event.

Reflecting on her week, she said: “Yeah, of course today’s a hard day. But overall I think that when we talk with my team, I think we can take a lot of positives from this week.

“Yeah, it’s been tough, but overall I think it was a pretty good two weeks for me. The tournament is still not over, so I’m going to try to go for it in doubles tomorrow as well.”

She’ll partner with Diana Shnaider against Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova.

Read more:

• Tracy Austin makes her pick for the Madrid Open between Mirra Andreeva and Marta Kostyuk
• Mirra Andreeva becomes first player in over 20 years to match rare achievement at Madrid Open
• Anastasia Potapova predicts Mirra Andreeva will rewrite tennis’ future

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