Sawt Falasteen - Andreeva, Mpetshi Perricard showcase Australian Open potential

The 17-year-old Andreeva demolished Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-0 in the women's draw while Mpetshi Perricard downed fourth-seeded American Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) to reach the men's quarter-finals.

A year after losing to the same player at the season-opening event, Andreeva displayed her improvement over 2024 with a 63-minute romp over the Czech Republic's Noskova.

The teenager faces either Ons Jabeur or Elina Avanesyan in the last eight.

"Last year she almost killed me in the quarter-finals so I was thinking it's time to take my revenge," Andreeva said.

The Russian started the year ranked 16th in the world and is tipped by many to challenge for a Grand Slam in 2025.

"My number one goal for the 2025 season is to crack the top 10," said Andreeva, who is coached by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez.

The towering Mpetshi Perricard, 21, who beat Australian Nick Kyrgios in an entertaining round-one clash, again served superbly to defeat US Open semi-finalist Tiafoe.

After serving 36 aces in his three-set win over Kyrgios, the Frenchman sent down another 20 against the more experienced Tiafoe.

Mpetshi Perricard faces the 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik next.

"It was a good match, not very easy to play against Francis," Mpetshi Perricard said.

"The first set was very tight on serve but I managed to put some pressure on his second serve and it worked."

The Australian Open, the opening major of the year, begins in Melbourne on January 12.

E.Aziz--SF-PST