Andreeva, who received an invitation to enter the main draw, continues her incredible week after beating Canada's Leylah Fernandez (38th), a finalist at the US Open in 2021, and then Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia (14th).
"I'm not really surprised at my level, because I know how I can play on court. But of course I didn't expect to be here and go this far," the Russian told Tennis Channel.
Becoming the third 15-year-old player to win a match in a WTA 1000 tournament, Andreeva will face Belarusian and world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka (24), who dominated Colombian Camila Osorio (115th) 6-4, 7-5, in the eighth final.
Russia's Mirra Andreeva after her victory against Poland's Magda Linette at the Madrid tournament, April 29, 2023 © OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP
"I have nothing to lose," Andreeva said of her match against Sabalenka. "I just have to go on court and show my best tennis. There is no pressure at all for me. There is pressure on her I think, because she will play against a 16-year-old girl," Andreeva added.
© 2023 AFP