Andreeva Shines in AO Opener, Inspired by Tennis Legends

Vegas Tennis Team
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Andreeva Shines in AO Opener, Inspired by Tennis Legends

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 12, 2025

Photo credit: Jean Catuffe/Getty

Rising star Mirra Andreeva showcases her smart play, becoming a formidable opponent on the court.

Currently, Andreeva looks to elevate her game further, drawing inspiration from an all-court maestro.

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The talented Andreeva, who reached the Roland Garros semifinals, displayed her aggressive style by defeating Marie Bouzkova with a score of 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the second round of the Australian Open.

Just a year ago, Andreeva stunned Ons Jabeur to clinch a spot in the fourth round of the AO, marking her tournament debut. This year, she returns to Melbourne with a ranking of No. 15, determined to break into the Top 10.

At just 17, Andreeva is mentored by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, yet she finds her greatest inspiration in another Grand Slam legend: Martina Hingis.

Hingis, a Hall of Famer known for winning three Australian Open titles in a row from 1997 to 1999, serves as a stylistic benchmark for the young athlete.

Andreeva admires Hingis’ finesse at the net and her ability to dominate while playing aggressively.

In her latest match, Andreeva successfully converted 14 of 21 net approaches, skillfully using her return capabilities to orchestrate offensive plays. With precise shot-making, she claimed 11 of 15 points against Bouzkova’s second serve.

“I’ve always appreciated the way Martina Hingis played,” Andreeva expressed. “There are some parallels between our styles. She played intelligently, and I strive to embody that smart approach as well.”

However, there’s one aspect Andreeva is eager to enhance—like Hingis, she aims to embrace a more aggressive style that includes cutting off points at the net.

“I’m just beginning to understand how to leverage that,” she said regarding her efforts to improve at the net. “At the start of the year, I’m pushing myself to finish points closer to the net or to take the initiative in rallies.”

“Watching [Martina Hingis], I noticed how she capitalized on opportunities, always aiming to finish points aggressively,” Andreeva continued. “While I might not employ a lot of slices like Steffi Graf or Conchita, I recognize some similarities between my game and Hingis’ style.”



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