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 over the past two years. Equipped with prodigious talent and a former Junior World No. 1 ranking, Andreeva has continually built on her success, improving and growing stronger with each tournament. Today, she is one of the most formidable opponents on the women’s tour, feared by players and admired by fans alike.

Mirra Andreeva is a Russian professional player that turned pro in 2022 at the age of 15. The Russian teenager started showing signs of her prodigious talent in 2023 when she reached her first Round of 16 at the Madrid Open (WTA 1000) and then reached the third and fourth rounds at the French Open and Wimbledon respectively while also defeating few Top 20 players.

She started the 2024 season on a high with a superb performance in the Brisbane Open where she reached the Quarter finals. She also reached the fourth round of the Australian Open. However, it was French Open 2024 when she made everyone sit up and notice as she waltzed her way to the French Open semi-final, upsetting the World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka on the way. Andreeva also went on to partner compatriot Diana Shnaider at the Paris Olympics bagging a silver medal in Women’s Doubles. Due to great performances in the Grand Slams that season, Andreeva rose to a career high ranking of World No. 15, ending the 2024 season on a massive high. 

The 2025 season though has seen her improve on a level not many expected. Andreeva won her first WTA doubles titles with Shnaider at the Brisbane International Open. She reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, losing out to World No. 1 and Australian Open finalist Aryna Sabalenka. She then went on to win two back-to-back WTA 1000 tournaments in the Dubai Open and Indian Wells Open. At the Dubai Open, she beat three higher ranked players and Grand Slam champions in Markéta Vondroušová, Iga ?wi?tek and Elena Rybakina on her way to the title. At the recently concluded Indian Wells Open, she defeated Aryna Sabalenka for the Indian Wells crown. Andreeva broke into the Top 10 for the first time after the Dubai Open and is currently ranked World No. 7 on the WTA Rankings. 

So, the question arises – what has changed her 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 to compete at the highest level she had to step up massively and on the suggestion of her IMG (International Management Group) agent, she recruited former Grand Slam winner Conchita Martínez as her coach in April 2024. 

Martínez has not only brought her vast match experience and tactical expertise to the table but 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, rather than becoming overly serious. 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 newfound 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 is not afraid to take risks. She now plays a mix of defense 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 as it has become an additional weapon in her armoury. Andreeva (107) is only behind Elena Rybakina (120) and Madison Keys (111) when it comes to aces served this season. 

Mirra Andreeva doesn’t seem to have any weaknesses in her game at the moment. At only 17 years of age, it’s remarkable how quickly she’s progressing. With such an impressive start to the season, it’s exciting to imagine what the 2025 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.