The final of the WTA Iasi Open in Romania will be an all-Russian affair. Teen prodigy Mirra Andreeva will face Elina Avanesyan, with both players chasing their first WTA title. Who will get their hands on the trophy on Friday?
WTA Iasi Final Prediction
Mirra Andreeva vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-head: Andreeva 1-0 Avanesyan
With most of her peers heading to Paris for the Olympics and others making the early trip to North America for the summer hard-court swing, Mirra Andreeva is about to check off one of her goals for the season. And it could happen at the newly minted Iasi Open. Over a month ago, Andreeva came agonizingly close to reaching her first senior final at Roland Garros (lost to Jasmine Paolini). But in a largely understrength field, the top-seeded Andreeva powered into her first final this week.
It was a breeze in her first three matches until the semifinal when Olga Danilovic pushed her all the way. Andreeva showed maturity beyond her years, fighting back from 2-5 down in the third set and saving one match point. She prevailed in the deciding tie-break.
Elina Avanesyan will also contest her first final at the Tour level. She’s been polished and dominant all week, winning all but one match in straight sets. The 21-year-old is guaranteed a new career-high ranking of No. 58 regardless of Friday’s result. She can move as high as 51 if she wins the title.
Andreeva will need to wait for her Top 20 debut but is assured of rejoining the Top 30 and will equal her previous best ranking of No. 23 if she lifts the title. What has been evident in her young career so far is that the 17-year-old is unfazed by the occasion. It’s almost as if she embraces any challenge, which is remarkable for a player her age. And she has a great coaching setup led by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez. The stars should align for Andreeva to crown her breakthrough season with her first title.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
