A blockbuster fourth-round clash awaits at the 2026 Miami Open as Victoria Mboko takes on Mirra Andreeva. The two share a close bond on the WTA Tour and have also teamed up in doubles this week in Miami. Ahead of their much-anticipated meeting, both players opened up about the mindset required when facing a close friend on court.
Victoria Mboko and Mirra Andreeva Prepare to Put Friendship Aside in Miami Open Fourth Round
Both Victoria Mboko and Mirra Andreeva received byes into the second round of the WTA 1000 event by virtue of their seeding. The Canadian began her campaign against Anna Blinkova and cruised to a 6-2, 6-0 win. The 10th seed then followed it up with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Anastasia Zakharova to book her place in the fourth round of the Miami Open.
Meanwhile, Andreeva opened her campaign with a hard-fought 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-1 victory over home favorite McCartney Kessler. She then backed it up with a 7-6(4), 6-2 win against 32nd seed Marie Bouzková to seal her place in the fourth round of the WTA 1000 event.
Ahead of their much-anticipated clash, both Victoria Mboko and Mirra Andreeva were asked about their approach, given their close friendship on tour. However, the duo made it clear they would set that bond aside and remain fully focused on the contest.
Speaking to Prakash Amritraj on Tennis Channel, Victoria Mboko said she shares a close friendship with Mirra Andreeva and often jokes about avoiding each other in draws. She added that while she wishes their meeting had come later, she is excited to compete despite their bond and ongoing doubles partnership.
“I’m excited. I am sure we are gonna play each other so many times,” she said. “We joke about it all of the time when the draw comes out. We are like, ‘Get away from me! Why are you in my quarter?’
“But it’s funny. We are great friends, I am always rooting for her, and vice versa. We text all the time. I am really happy to play her. Unfortunately, it has to be so early, not in the final. It’s okay. I’m looking forward to it. And we’re playing doubles so.”
When asked whether it is easier to face a close friend or someone she isn’t as familiar with, the Canadian replied, “Someone I am not as close with. There is not as much sentimental value I would say.”
The rivalry between the two began only in 2026. Andreeva won their first meeting 6-3, 6-1 in the Adelaide International final, before Mboko responded with a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5) victory in the third round of the Qatar Open, leaving their head-to-head level at 1-1.
When asked about the same by Amritraj, the Russian teenager said she will first focus on her doubles match but has no trouble setting friendship aside. She stressed both players will compete fully, knowing neither will offer favors or hold back during their singles clash.
“Well, first, I am gonna focus on playing great tomorrow because we have a doubles match to play first. I am just going to put all my focus on that. But, for me, for some reason it’s not difficult to put the friendship aside when we are on the tennis court playing against each other,” she said.
“I know she is not going to be there and let me win. She’s gonna want to win. Of course, when we play singles, she is going to go out there, and she is going to want to beat me. So, I know that, and I am not going to waste my time by saying maybe “You’re feeling nice today! Maybe you are gonna give me a couple of points.”
Andreeva added that she will discuss tactics with coach Conchita MartÃnez, reflecting on their earlier matches. She expressed excitement about facing Mboko again, expecting another entertaining contest.
MORE: Victoria Mboko Hugs Mirra Andreeva After Tense Fight, Reflects on Her Revenge in Doha
“I know it’s not gonna happen, so yeah, we are going to talk to Conchita (Martinez) about her game plan. Obviously, we’ve had two great matches earlier this year,” she said.
“I am actually very excited to play her again. Third time already. It’s just the beginning of the year. I think it’s gonna be an entertaining match for people to watch. So, yeah, I am just super excited to play her again.”
According to PFSN’s Tennis Simulator, Victoria Mboko holds a 64% chance of winning the contest and advancing to the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event. The winner will face either Alexandra Eala or KarolÃna Muchová, who meet in another fourth-round clash.
