Former world No. 1, Rene Stubbs, commented on Mirra Andreeva`s loss to Amanda Anisimova in the third round of the Miami tournament (6/7(5), 6/2, 3/6).
Stubbs stated that Andreeva “hit a wall” in this match. She mentioned Andreeva wasn`t feeling well beforehand, which might explain her condition and behavior on court. Calling for a physio at 2/1 in the first set was unusual.
However, Stubbs credited the 17-year-old for her resilience after losing the first set. Despite appearing to be on the verge of defeat, she fought back. In the third set, Anisimova changed the momentum and started hitting winners.
Stubbs believes Andreeva`s frustration and behavior indicated her youth. She described Andreeva`s mental state as reminiscent of “Mirra Andreeva of two years ago,” suggesting a loss of composure and displaying negative emotions on court.
At 3/1, 40:40 in the final set, Anisimova took a medical timeout for a blister on her finger, occurring during Andreeva`s serve. Andreeva remarked to the umpire about the timing of the timeout. After the match, Anisimova showed the blister on video, also displaying her middle finger.
Stubbs noted that those following Anisimova on social media would know about the blister, describing it as serious and painful, especially for tennis players.
Anisimova requested the physio be called at the next changeover but was seen during the game itself. Stubbs explained that physios aren`t always court-side except in finals, as they are busy in the locker rooms during matches and need to be notified in advance.
Anisimova`s decision to call the physio mid-game, while leading 3/1 in the third set, was likely to avoid losing momentum. Stubbs acknowledged that Anisimova lost a point after having a game point, making the score deuce, and realized she could no longer hit the ball properly due to the pain, making the game critical.
Stubbs clarified the rules allow for a physio to assess an acute injury immediately, like a twisted ankle or broken finger, highlighting that Anisimova`s blister qualified as an acute injury preventing her from playing without significant pain.
Stubbs concluded that Anisimova played three more points after requesting the doctor, understanding the game could go to deuce, and with the worsening blister, she needed medical attention, which is within the rules, as stated in her podcast.
