Andreeva helps injured Potapova before reaching US Open quarter-finals
Mirra Andreeva showed a caring side during her US Open fourth-round victory over Anastasia Potapova on Monday, stopping to help her injured opponent before completing a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 win.
Andreeva was leading 5-3 in the final set when Potapova lunged for a running forehand and fell while holding her left knee.
As Potapova sat on the court in pain, Andreeva walked around the net and placed a hand on her opponent’s shoulder. The 19-year-old Russian then helped Potapova to her feet so she could receive medical treatment.
Andreeva also asked for ice to be brought to Potapova, who was later able to continue with her knee heavily bandaged.
However, Potapova struggled to move and could not win another point. She did not attempt to return Andreeva’s final shot, bringing the match to an end.
The two players shared a long embrace after the match, with Potapova appearing emotional.
“It’s not the perfect end to the match,” Andreeva said.
The victory sent Andreeva, the French Open champion, into the US Open quarter-finals for the first time.
Despite now representing Austria, Potapova was born in Russia and represented the country when she won the Wimbledon girls’ singles title in 2016.
Andreeva revealed that she had looked up to Potapova when she was younger.
“For me, Nastya, she was always like a prodigy,” Andreeva said. “She came on tour early. She also had a lot of wins.”
“I also remember we were all watching and cheering for her when she won the juniors Wimbledon title. I remember watching that match. For me, she was always, like, a little star that I was kind of always looking at.”
Potapova won their first meeting in 2022, but Andreeva has now won their last four encounters.
Monday’s defeat ended Potapova’s hopes of reaching her first Grand Slam quarter-final.
