Mirra Andreeva: The rising star in women’s tennis

Women’s tennis has witnessed numerous players make their debut early on the WTA Tour, but few have made an impact as significant as Mirra Andreeva has over the past two years. Equipped with prodigious talent, the former Junior World No. 1 has continued to build on her success, improving and growing stronger with each tournament. Today, she is one of the most formidable opponents on the tour—feared by players and admired by fans.

The 17-year-old Russian, who turned pro in 2022 at the age of 15, started showing signs of her talent in 2023 as she reached her first Round of 16 at the Madrid Open before reaching the third and fourth rounds at the French Open and Wimbledon, respectively, defeating a few Top 20 players along the way.

Andreeva started the 2024 season on a high with a superb outing at the Brisbane International, where she reached the quarters. She also reached the fourth round of the Australian Open. However, it was the French Open where she made everyone truly sit up and take notice as she waltzed her way to the semi-final, upsetting World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka along the way. Andreeva also went on to partner compatriot Diana Shnaider at the Paris Olympics, bagging a silver medal in Women’s Doubles. Her performances saw her rise to World No. 15 in the WTA Rankings. 

This year, Andreeva is improving at a rate not many expected. She won her first WTA doubles title with Shnaider at the Brisbane International and reached the fourth round of the Australian Open—losing to World No. 1 and eventual finalist Aryna Sabalenka—before winning two back-to-back WTA 1000 tournaments in the Dubai Open and Indian Wells. In Dubai, she beat three higher-ranked players and Grand Slam champions in Markéta Vondroušová, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina on her way to the title, while at Indian Wells she defeated Sabalenka for the crown. As a result, she broke into the top 10 of the WTA Rankings for the first time and is currently ranked World No. 7. 

So, the question arises: what has transformed Andreeva from a young teenager with potential into a fearsome opponent? 

The answer lies in a change of personnel. After the 2023 season, Andreeva realised that, in order to compete at the highest level, she needed to step up massively. On the suggestion of her IMG (International Management Group) agent, she recruited former Grand Slam winner Conchita Martínez as her coach in April last year. 

Martínez has not only brought vast match experience and tactical expertise to the table, she has also allowed Andreeva to maintain her playful spirit. At the highest level of competition, it’s essential for athletes to stay grounded and enjoy the game. Martínez has struck a perfect balance, enhancing Andreeva’s technical skills and strategic approach while also nurturing her mental resilience. Under her guidance, Andreeva has evolved into a more composed and confident player, handling challenging situations with new-found calmness and poise.

Apart from the mental side of the game, Martínez has also helped Andreeva transition from a more defensive game to an aggressive one. Andreeva’s style of play has evolved over the past year, as she no longer looks afraid to take risks, relying on a mix of defence and aggression. A notable and unique part of her game is the effective use of the forehand slice whenever she is pushed into a corner. Even her serve has improved by leaps and bounds, becoming an additional weapon in her armoury. She is behind only Elena Rybakina (120) and Madison Keys (111) when it comes to aces served this season, with 107. 

Mirra Andreeva doesn’t seem to have any weakness in her game at the moment. At only 17 years of age, it’s remarkable how quickly she has become an elite player. With such an impressive start to the season, it’s exciting to imagine what the rest of the season holds for the talented young Russian. Touted by past champions like Andy Roddick as a future Grand Slam winner and potential World No. 1, Andreeva’s prospects are bright. With continued physical development and more experience, she could reach incredible heights in the world of tennis.