By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | March 10, 2025
Photo credits: Mateo Vilalba/Getty
At just seventeen, Mirra Andreeva has become the talk of the early tennis season.
Fresh off her championship win in Dubai, Andreeva is too focused on maintaining her momentum to reflect on her remarkable success.
The impressive Andreeva handily defeated the hobbled WTA ace leader, Clara Tauson, with a score of 6-3, 6-0, marking an exciting rematch from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final.
This victory extends Andreeva’s winning streak to eight matches and advances her to the round of 16 at the BNP Paribas Open, where she will face former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
The talented Andreeva credits her rigorous training with coach and former Wimbledon champ Conchita Martinez for her current success, noting that their hard work is truly paying off.
At this point, Andreeva has made history as the youngest woman to secure eight consecutive WTA 1000 wins since the format’s inception in 2009.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve surprised myself,” Andreeva shared. “I had a feeling this moment would come eventually, just not this quickly.” She added with a smile, “Better early than late!”
Known for her graceful movements and keen court awareness, Andreeva possesses a surprisingly powerful serve and a precise two-handed backhand. Under Conchita’s mentorship, she’s enhancing her net game and bolstering her second serve.
Reflecting on her partnership with Martinez, Andreeva expressed a deep connection that has solidified as she climbed the rankings to her current career-high position of No. 11.
“Our first tournament together felt incredible, and I sensed a natural comfort with her,” Andreeva recalled. “Thankfully, she felt the same.” She added, “Our energy at the court is vibrant, and we both understand when it’s time to be serious.”
“I completely trust her. She is aware of everything in my life—it’s a blessing to have her by my side,” Andreeva stated earnestly.
Notably, Martinez was renowned for her exceptional one-handed slice backhand and a powerful topspin forehand.
Inspired by her idol, Hall of Famer Martina Hingis, Andreeva aims to cultivate a versatile all-court strategy.
“I’ve always admired how smart Martina played,” Andreeva said. “I see some similarities; I aim to make intelligent plays just like her.”
“The key difference lies in her assertiveness—she wasn’t afraid to play aggressively and close out points.”
Quick across the court, Andreeva is now focusing on harnessing her agility as an offensive tool to transition to the net.
“I’m just beginning to grasp how to improve my net play,” she explained. “These early matches have pushed me to finish points at the net or step in closer to the court.”
