Mirra Andreeva suffers shock defeat by Ekaterina Alexandrova in Stuttgart

Teen tennis star exits in last 16 as Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek reach the quarter-finals.

Ekaterina Alexandrova and Mirra Andreeva shake hands at the net following their second-round match on Day 4 of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at Porsche Arena on April 17, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany. Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Mirra Andreeva’s red-hot run on the WTA Tour came to an abrupt halt on Thursday as she was outplayed by Ekaterina Alexandrova in the last 16 of the Stuttgart Open. The 17-year-old sensation had looked unstoppable in recent months, collecting two titles and rising into the top ten, but she was no match for her experienced compatriot, who wrapped up a 6-3, 6-2 victory in just over an hour.

The result was a surprise, not just because of Andreeva’s youth and form, but because of how quickly Alexandrova seized control of the match. Ranked 22nd in the world, Alexandrova was sharp from the first point, breaking Andreeva’s rhythm and showing why she has become a dangerous player against top-tier opponents. This latest victory marks her fourth win over a top-10 opponent in 2024, reinforcing her credentials as a player to watch in the European clay swing.

From title runs to a quick exit

Just months ago, Mirra Andreeva made headlines when she stormed to victory at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai, becoming the youngest champion in the tournament’s history. Her path to the title was remarkable — she defeated world number one Iga Swiatek and two-time Grand Slam finalist Elena Rybakina, displaying a fearless brand of tennis well beyond her years.

That momentum carried into Indian Wells in March, where Andreeva produced another statement performance. In the final, she came from a set down to stun Aryna Sabalenka, adding a second trophy to her breakout season and sending a message to the tennis world that she was no fluke.

But the quick transition from hard court success to European clay has posed a new challenge. Her opening match in Stuttgart saw her overcome her older sister, Erika Andreeva, in an emotional sibling showdown. Less than 24 hours later, however, she struggled to replicate that level against a composed and aggressive Alexandrova.

Alexandrova shows her experience

Ekaterina Alexandrova didn’t just win — she dominated. From the outset, she used her flat groundstrokes to dictate rallies, forcing Andreeva to defend rather than create. The first set slipped away from the teenager as Alexandrova secured an early break and never looked back.

In the second set, Andreeva attempted to adjust her game, but the momentum remained with the 29-year-old, who took advantage of Andreeva’s tentative play. Alexandrova’s win was as much a lesson in experience as it was in power, showing the value of knowing how to manage big matches.

Alexandrova’s victory sets up a quarter-final clash with American number two Jessica Pegula, who is also looking to find her best form as the clay season intensifies.

Gauff and Pegula cruise through

It wasn’t all bad news for American tennis on Thursday. Coco Gauff looked razor sharp in her dominant win over German wildcard Ella Seidel, brushing her aside 6-1, 6-1 in under an hour. Gauff, the fourth-ranked player in the world, broke serve five times and hit two aces in a clinical performance.

The result was an important bounce back for Gauff after her early exit at the Miami Open. With her confidence restored, she now faces Italian Jasmine Paolini, who herself earned an impressive 6-1, 7-5 win over Jule Niemeier. Paolini, known for her fighting spirit and variety, has now made the Stuttgart quarter-finals two years in a row.

Jessica Pegula also made light work of her opponent, dispatching Magdalena Frech of Poland 6-1, 6-1. The American star was near flawless on serve and converted all five of her break point chances. It was a much-needed boost for Pegula, who has had an up-and-down start to the season.

Swiatek and Sabalenka await in the quarter-finals

The Stuttgart quarter-finals are shaping up to be a heavyweight affair, with multiple top-10 players advancing comfortably. Iga Swiatek, the world number two and two-time Stuttgart champion, is already into the last eight. She continues to look at ease on clay, a surface where her consistency and topspin make her nearly unbeatable.

Aryna Sabalenka, meanwhile, advanced without stepping onto the court. Her opponent, Anastasia Potapova, withdrew due to injury, handing Sabalenka a walkover into the next round. The Belarusian has been one of the most dominant players on tour this year and remains one of the favorites to win the title.

With Swiatek, Sabalenka, Gauff, Pegula, and now Alexandrova in the mix, the Stuttgart Open promises a thrilling finish. Each of these players brings a different style, and the tight indoor clay courts offer a fascinating backdrop for high-quality tennis.

What's next for Andreeva?

Despite Thursday’s disappointment, Mirra Andreeva has already accomplished more than most 17-year-olds on tour. Her wins in Dubai and Indian Wells catapulted her into the global spotlight, and she has handled the attention with maturity and poise.

Losses like the one against Alexandrova are part of the learning curve. Facing more experienced opponents on unfamiliar surfaces will only strengthen her resolve. With Roland Garros just weeks away, Andreeva still has time to adapt her game and regain her confidence on clay.

In the long run, her early exit in Stuttgart might prove to be a useful lesson — a reminder that even the most talented young stars must continue to grow and evolve. Andreeva has shown that she can compete with the best; now the challenge is to sustain that level across surfaces and over time.

As for Alexandrova, her impressive performance sets her up for an intriguing battle with Pegula. With a growing number of upsets and dominant displays, the Stuttgart Open is proving once again that the WTA Tour is as deep and unpredictable as ever.