Australian Open Day 4: Mirra Andreeva stuns Ons Jabeur

The first round of the 2024 Australian Open saw most of the women's top seeds and favorites advance. The lone top 10 seed to fall was Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, who was utterly trounced by a resurgent Dayana Yastremska. Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina moved on to round two despite punishing first-round draws in major champion Sofia Kenin and former world number one Karolina Pliskova

If the first completed match of round two is a sign of what is to come, then many more top seeds will be on their way out. In her first Australian Open and just the fourth major of her career, Mirra Andreeva routed (6) Ons Jabeur 6-0, 6-2.

Andreeva was imperious against an out-of-sorts Jabeur. Andreeva out-hit, out-served, and out-moved Jabeur in a match that did not even last one hour. Andreeva will play the winner of Kamilla Rakhimova and Diane Parry in the third round.

Andreeva still subject to WTA age restrictions

Andreeva's performance will undoubtedly reopen the debate regarding the WTA's restrictions on young players. At only 16, Andreeva's tournament schedule is limited to around 12 tournaments, although participation in the Billie Jean King Cup and 2024 Olympics will not count towards her tournament limit. The WTA enacted these age restriction rules to protect young players and prevent burnout. However, the rules could prevent a red-hot player like Andreeva from reaching the upper echelon of the game.

What's next for Ons Jabeur?

A three-time major finalist, Ons Jabeur is still searching for her maiden grand slam title. The Australian Open was Jabeur's first tournament of the year, and it showed. The Australian Open has never been the most fruitful major for Jabeur, but she will undoubtedly be disappointed with a second-round showing.

Read more from Lob and Smash