Mirra Andreeva is heading to the Madrid Open 2026 semifinals after passing one of her toughest tests of the tournaments against Leylah Fernandez.
Andreeva earned a 7-6(1), 6-3 quarterfinal win on Tuesday, saving three set points in the opening set to improve to 2-1 in the pair's all-time head-to-head record.
The win also sends the world No. 8 into her first Madrid Open semifinal — one day before her 19th birthday.
"I'm extremely happy about the way I played and the result," Andreeva said. "It wouldn't be a perfect birthday if I would lose today. I really didn't want that to happen, and I was trying to give everything I had to be in a good mood tomorrow."
After needing all three sets to get past Hungary's Anna Bondar on Monday, Andreeva appeared more in control during her quarterfinal.
Fernandez pushed Andreeva hard in the first set and had three chances to take it. However, Andreeva held firm, dominated the tiebreak before taking control in the second.
Afterward, she discussed improvements she's made since first turning pro in 2022.
"I feel like I'm still the same Mirra," she said, joking that the biggest difference might be appreciating more alone time.
"Now all I want to do is come back to the room and be alone," she said. "Other than that, I feel like I'm still the same Mirra."
However, her growth on court has been obvious.
This marks Andreeva's first Madrid Open semifinal, indicating how quickly she's developing into a major tournament threat.
How to Watch Mirra Andreeva at the 2026 Madrid Open
Andreeva now advances to face either world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka or No. 32 Hailey Baptiste in Thursday's semifinals.
2026 Madrid Open coverage continues through May 2nd, live on The Tennis Channel.
