Two Russian teens couldn’t contain their emotions, with both crying at the net in an emotional embrace after an epic three-hour tussle on Rod Laver Arena for the Australian Open girls’ final.
Typically teammates in doubles, Alina Korneeva and Mirra Andreeva went head-to-head for a juniors grand slam title for the first time on Saturday in sweltering conditions.
After winning the first set tiebreak, Andreeva conceded back-to-back sets to go down to Korneeva, 6-7 (2), 6-4, 7-5.
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The pair, both just 15 years old, embraced each other at the net where they shared a lengthy hug.
Girls champion’s gracious speech
While Korneeva took in the crowd’s appreciation, Andreeva was left in tears, crying into a towel.
Player-turned-commentator Casey Dellacqua later came across the court to console Andreeva.
It was a match that earned the plaudits of tennis stars and commentators alike.
Russian-born Australian tennis star Daria Saville wrote on Twitter, “No one deserved to lose.”
Andreeva battled through her post-match interview, wiping tears away while congratulating Korneeva and thanking her supporters.
Korneeva was similarly complimentary, signalling more blockbuster matches to come.
“First of all, I want to congrats Mirra with this amazing week, this amazing battle,” said Korneeva.
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“It’s not our last battle and we will have a lot of good matches when you will win, when me will win, and congrats – it was hard match.”
Asked after the match about the embrace, Korneeva revealed what she told her beaten foe, who she called her “best friend” off the court.
“She’s a very good player and I hope … we will have a lot of good matches in the future,” she said.
“I know sometimes she will win. It’s normal, it’s life. I said to her, ‘Don’t cry, Mirra’, because it was a very good match, very tough battle, a lot of good points.
“She showed her best. I showed my best that I could show and congratulations to her, because it was a good week for her.”
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