Andreeva challenges Swiatek: "I will face this match like any other before"

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Mirra Andreeva is eager to draw blood and continue an imperial streak. The champion in Linz is already stepping into the quarterfinals of WTA Stuttgart 2026, proving that indoor clay seems to become her natural habitat, leaving behind some painful defeats in the first third of the season.

However, she now faces the biggest challenge of the year, a Iga Swiatek with renowned experience and extensive dominance on this surface, promising to open a new chapter alongside Francis Roig. Can the Russian withstand such a high challenge, perhaps the litmus test of her reaction? Will Swiatek turn everything that happened in the last week into mere illusions? No better person than Mirra herself to dispel the doubts, in a press conference after defeating Alycia Parks in the round of 16.

These were Andreeva's words before her big showdown against Iga Swiatek

- Great victory over Parks, built on the mental side

"The match was tough, yes. Very happy with how I stayed focused. At times, I felt a bit stiff because when you play against such important opponents, you feel that every point is very dangerous. I'm very happy with the win today. I tried to keep the same mindset as with yesterday's match (vs Ostapenko) because that's what helped me pull through and win. Whatever helps you, keep it with you at all costs."

"I felt that every point was crucial for me. I could serve very well at any point, I could return very well, you know that every game you play is very, very important, you have to win it. Sometimes I added extra pressure to myself for no reason, but it makes me happy to know that I was able to overcome that."

- Next stop, none other than Iga Swiatek: first match they play on clay

"I don't know yet, I will try to talk to Conchita now. Iga is a great player, but I will face this match like any other we've had before. She has a tremendous record on clay, so I am very cautious. This is indoor clay, yes, so it's something different. I'm excited to see what happens, for the first time, on the clay."

- A won final, tremendous comeback, victorious streak... in her best mental moment?

"So far, things are not going bad (smiles). I have dealt very well with some moments of a lot of pressure, but I try not to overthink, as always. I will try not to give it too much importance, have some rest time, and do what I usually do. If it works, I'll try to maintain it."

- Ostapenko and Parks back-to-back: who of the two is more volatile or 'extreme' in their style and on the court?

"I would say that any player can be very dangerous at any given moment, so both are. Sometimes your matches depend on them, whether they hit an amazing shot or maybe give you more opportunities to do something. Both have great shots from the baseline, very good serve... I can't choose one or say that one was easier than the other, but I believe that any player on the circuit can be dangerous if they feel very confident in their game."

- The difference between Mirra Andreeva from Indian Wells 2025, the last one who faced Swiatek, compared to the current one

"I think the Mirra from last year was still, I don't know if to say a newcomer, but someone who got excited about everything. At certain times, I played tournaments for the first time, tried to keep that fun part and be excited about everything, realize how cool all of this is. I didn't put so much pressure on myself at certain moments and tried to be excited about how great my life was all the time, about traveling the world, everything was great: lived each day of my life as if it were the first. Having that excitement and not putting so much pressure on yourself, enjoying everything that lies ahead... that brought results. Also having the confidence to win many matches: the combination of all that is the key."

- Conchita Martinez's birthday: what did you give her on her special day?

"I gave her flowers and candles, but the main gift will arrive in Madrid because I didn't have time to buy it earlier. My mother is going to buy it for me, she will call me, and we will choose the gift together. I already have an idea of what I want to give her, but today, for a little attention, I gave her flowers and small candles, so she feels like it's still her birthday."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Andreeva desafía a Swiatek: "Afrontaré este partido como cualquiera anteriormente"