Just In: US Open star admits to having ‘crush’ on doubles partner
Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev booked their place in the US Open mixed doubles semi-finals on Tuesday night with two impressive wins, and the French Open champion then revealed that she’d had a childhood “crush” on the ATP No. 24.
The Russian duo came from a set down to beat two-time defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori 1-4 4-1 [11-9] in their opening match, and then beat Diana Shnaider and Casper Ruud 4-1 4-5(9) [10-5] before Andreeva made her confession to Rublev and the crowd.
I’ve never said anything, I’ve never told him anything as well, but I used to have a little crush on him as well,” the 19-year-old said as the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd laughed and let out a chorus of “aww”.
“So yeah, you know, it’s like a dream come true to play with my favourite…” Andreeva continued, as Rublev interrupted to give her a hug. “I’m super happy that we were able to play together, to get the win together and create so many great memories. I’m super happy to play by his side.”
Afterwards, the French Open champion elaborated on her old crush, but admitted it was in the past. “I mean, first of all, his hair, okay?” she laughed.” So many interviews I saw and so many things that I heard from other people, I just knew he’s a great person.
“I didn’t know him at that time yet. I don’t know, I just feel like he’s super kind, very nice with everyone. Again, the hair. I don’t know, everyone said that every time he would step on court, he would look tired. I don’t know, he was looking great every time for me.
While Rublev thought it was sweet during the on-court interview, he thought Andreeva’s crush was just a silly childhood thought. “You know this typical moments when the kids, they don’t have taste yet, they need to try some stupid things before they start to have it?” the 28-year-old explained.
“I was in the part of stupid thing, in the transition moment. I think she was feeling like when you see a cat on the street. You feel, like, sorry.”
Andreeva and Rublev will be out on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday night to face Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik for a place in the mixed doubles final. Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils take on Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the other semi-final. The champions win £734k ($1million).
