Watch: Mirra Andreeva’s elegant gesture to Anastasia Potapova wins hearts

Mirra Andreeva won hearts at the US Open with her ultimate display of sportsmanship when she helped an injured opponent. The incident occurred at a crucial point in the decider, when Andreeva was closer to victory.

As Potapova served to stay in the match at 5-3 in the third set, the Austrian fell while attempting an Andreeva forehand and needed treatment on her left knee. Both players have already spent more than two hours on court, but Andreeva immediately rushed to check on her opponent. The 19-year-old helped Potapova, who had difficulty walking, back into her chair and also asked for ice as she received medical attention.

Potapová eventually returned to the court with a heavy band around her knee, but the injury clearly affected her movement. She failed to gain another point as Andreeva closed out the match, winning it 5–7, 6–4, 6–3.

Despite the disappointing end to the intense battle, the two players hugged at the net for a long time, with Andreeva’s gesture of support earning praise after a fiercely contested encounter.

After the match, Andreeva called Potapova a good friend and said it was not the end of the battle the two women had on the court.

The world No. 5 said she consoled Potapova and tipped her to make a stronger comeback after the loss.

“Well, she’s my good friend,” Andreeva said in an interview in court. “Seeing the battle we had and seeing her go down like that in the last game, it’s not easy. I can imagine what she’s going through and it gives me goosebumps.”

“Obviously that’s not the way you want to finish a game or see one of your good friends finish a game. I told her she’s playing amazing so far, she’s had one of her best seasons and I’m sure she’ll come back even stronger because she’s a fighter. I think she’s an even better fighter than me.”

Andreeva will face either 4th seed Coco Gauff or 14th seed Iva Jovic in the quarterfinals.

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Published on:

08 Sep 2026 01:04 IST