The Madrid Open has come to its latter stages and only some of the best names in the world are now remaining in the tournament. One amongst them is the 17-year-old upcoming sensation Mirra Andreeva. Coming into the tournament as an underdog, she has made her way through to the quarter-finals of the event and now standing her way will be none other than Aryna Sabalenka.

Highly regarded as one of the upcoming gems of the game, Mirra Andreeva received one of the surprises of her lifetime when Maria Sharapova, one of the former greats of the game came ahead and talked highly about the rising star. While suggesting that she followed some of her game last year, she suggested that the approach with which Andreeva comes in is different. She has a strong attitude towards her game which separates her from the rest. Concluding things, she even added that the young star has a bright future ahead of her.

“I want to say Mirra Andreeva will have a phenomenal year. I followed a little bit of her matches in 23′. I think she has strong attitude she has the game to back it up and genuinely just like her approach and you know her sensibility in the game and I think she has a bright future ahead of her,” said Sharapova in the interview.

Thus, Mirra Andreeva, who is a hot run of form here in Madrid received backing from Maria Sharapova as someone who could outshine everyone and make her way to the top this year. This however would have been a very special moment for the young star. Throughout her life as a professional tennis athlete, she has admired Sharapova and has a sweet spot for her.

Interestingly, Mirra Andreeva, who has stunned everyone on the red clay in Madrid has had a soft corner for the former grand slam winner. It is no doubt that Maria Sharapova has been a long-time admirer of the Russian star and has always looked to emulate her.

Last year, she managed to clinch the WTA Newcomer of the Year. After nearly 2 decades, she managed to do just as Maria Sharapova did and clinch the title to her name. While the start of the year has not been great for her this year, she is looking to get back to her best form. Do you think Mirra Andreeva has the talent to overtake Maria Sharapova and create her own legacy? Do let us know in the comments below!