“You have undoubtedly been my greatest teacher,” Kevin wrote. “A role frequently filled by a father figure. You taught me wonderful characteristics such as respect and kindness. Humor and wit. Ambition and work ethic. Grit and an aggressive will. The understanding that failure provides. And time is our most valuable commodity.

Andreeva advanced to the fourth round of the WTA 1000 event in Rome, defeating Clara Tauson 6-1, 7-5. Following her triumph, the Russian relaxed with her coach, Conchita Martinez, in the company of Alcaraz, who was preparing for his own third-round match. The two were seen laughing together while the Spaniard was doing his pre-match workouts.

Mirra Andreeva later told the press that she was grateful to her coach for teaching her enough Spanish to converse briefly with Carlos Alcaraz. She also admitted that she simply exchanged pleasantries with Alcaraz owing to her weak vocabulary.

“I have to thank Conchita for allowing me to say a few words. He congratulated me, and I simply wished him luck. That’s it for now! Maybe we’ll improve, but for the time being, this is all we have,” Andreeva explained. Andreeva also praised Alcaraz’s unusual exercises, joking that she and Conchita Martinez had previously “stolen” one of his drills.

“He has some good exercises. We had already stolen one with Conchita juggling the balls. He performs this one in which he juggles three balls as his fitness trainer catches them. We stole that one, but it’s the only one so far!” she said. Mirra Andreeva’s well wishes for Carlos Alcaraz appear to have paid off, as the Spaniard defeated Laslo Djere 7-6(2), 6-2 to advance to the fourth round of the Italian Open.

Carlos Alcaraz will face Karen Khachanov in the fourth round of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome, after the Russian defeated Francesco Passaro 6-3, 6-0. The World No. 3 has a perfect 4-0 record against Khachanov, with three of the triumphs coming on clay.

If Alcaraz extends his lead over Khachanov, he will face Jack Draper or Corentin Moutet in the quarterfinals. He might face Alexander Zverev or Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Mirra Andreeva will face Clara Tauson in the round of 16 at the Italian Open. The 18-year-old has won both of her previous meetings with Tauson, most recently defeating her 6-3, 6-0 at this year’s Indian Wells Open. If Andreeva advances, she will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu at the WTA 1000 event in Rome.