By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday January 2, 2025
Mirra Andreeva, still well shy of 18 years of age, is off and running to a fast start in 2025. Already into the semifinals at the Brisbane International, the 16th-ranked Russian will face top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday in Brisbane (Friday night in the US). She defeated Ons Jabeur on Friday night, 6-4, 7-6(2).
Entering her third season on tour, Andreeva talked to reporters about what it has been like to work with Conchita Martinez, whom she commenced work with in spring of last year. It didn’t take long for the tandem to hit their stride, as Andreeva reached the last four at Roland-Garros last year, becoming the youngest player to reach that far in Paris since Martina Hingis in 1997.
She says that the Spaniard, who also guided Garbine Muguruza to the Wimbledon title in 2017 and won Wimbledon herself in 1994, has taught her to be positive, first and foremost.
“I would say first thing that she brought to my game was positivity,” Andreeva, who will turn 18 in April, said. “I'm the person who would think negative most of the time. Even last year in the beginning of the year. Now I'm noticing that it was not right, the way I was thinking, the way I was approaching the matches, what kind of thoughts I have during the match as well.”
Andreeva, who raced past talented teen Linda Noskova on Thursday in Brisbane, 6-3, 6-0, says she is more professional in all aspects as a result of her time with Martinez.
She also believes that Martinez has helped her employ more diversity – and aggression – in her game.
“Of course, she brought more variety to my game,” she said. “I feel like I'm kind of fearless on court. I'm not afraid to make mistakes in important moments or when, for example, I'm facing a break point or down in the score, I still try to play aggressive with the same mindset. I would say these are the things that she brought to my game and that she helped me to improve.”
Andreeva, known for her fleet footedness and uncanny tennis IQ, is also developing a feel for taking the racquet out of her opponents’ hands when the situation calls for it.
“I would say that I'm more aggressive, I'm more positive, I'm calm, and I don't make as many stupid mistakes as I would [in the past],” she said.
It all makes for a very dangerous player, and one to watch in 2025, as she shakes free of the WTA’s eligibility rule on her 18th birthday, and becomes free to compete in as many tournaments as she likes.