American Keys ends Russian teen's Wimbledon dream

DANIEL LEAL/ AFP

American Madison Keys recovered from a set and a break down to end Mirra Andreeva's fairytale Wimbledon debut as the 16-year-old Russian was beaten 3-6 7-6(4) 6-2 in the fourth round on Monday.

World number 102 Andreeva, who was looking to become the youngest player to reach the last eight of the grasscourt Grand Slam since Anna Kournikova in 1997, fought valiantly against Keys but was ultimately overwhelmed by the seasoned 25th seed.

The teenager's lack of experience showed towards the end of the match, as she was handed a point penalty for throwing her racket at 5-2 in the decider, which handed match point to Keys.

An emotional Andreeva then argued with the umpire, before refusing to shake hands at the end of the match.

Prior to her defeat against Keys, Andreeva had showcased great maturity in her wins over former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova and compatriot Anastasia Potapova.

Keys' win ensures her return to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015, after which she has twice been knocked out in the fourth round.

"My quarter-final run all those years ago was amazing, but I've fallen short a few times," Keys added. "It's so great to be back in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon."

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