Mirra Andreeva, a self-proclaimed ordinary teenager, is determined to prove her normalcy despite her remarkable achievements. The 16-year-old Russian tennis player proudly showcases her messy bedroom as evidence of her regular teenage life. However, once on the court, a different side of Andreeva emerges—a focused and disciplined athlete who is accomplishing feats that most teenagers could only dream of.
In a surprising turn of events, Andreeva advanced to the fourth round of Wimbledon, an impressive accomplishment considering she had never played on a grass court until shortly before the tournament’s qualifying rounds. Her remarkable performance has solidified her status as one of the most promising talents in the sport, gaining recognition from Daniil Medvedev, one of the top players in men’s tennis, who described her progress as “exceptional.”
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, acknowledged that playing good tennis is one thing, but winning matches consecutively and making deep runs is an entirely different level of achievement. He believes that Andreeva’s talent and dedication make her a force to be reckoned with. The All England Club is buzzing with excitement as the hype surrounding Andreeva continues to grow.
Andreeva’s ambition knows no bounds, as she fearlessly expresses her desire to win 25 Grand Slam titles, a statement she made during last month’s French Open. However, when asked if she has contemplated following in the footsteps of Britain’s Emma Raducanu and becoming a teenage Grand Slam champion who came through qualifying, Andreeva adopts a more grounded approach.
“I try not to dwell on such thoughts. I believe they would only distract me,” replied the 102nd ranked player in the world after defeating 22nd seed Anastasia Potapova. In the upcoming round of 16, Andreeva will face Madison Keys, the 25th seed from the United States. Andreeva maintains her focus on each match, rather than the magnitude of her accomplishments or the stage of the tournament.
“I simply strive to play every point, regardless of the opponent or the round. I maintain the same mental and tennis approach. I stick to my game plan,” she explained.
Andreeva’s philosophy can be summarized in two simple words: “I’m just playing.” She approaches each match with the same dedication, regardless of the circumstances, demonstrating a maturity and composure beyond her years. As Andreeva’s journey unfolds, the world eagerly watches her progress, wondering just how far this exceptional young talent can go in the world of tennis.
Embed from Getty ImagesMurray’s ability to instill inspiration has been truly remarkable.
While distancing herself from comparisons with Raducanu, Andreeva has found inspiration in the achievements of another British player who understands the demands of winning a major championship.
Andreeva has long admired Andy Murray, and their paths have once again intersected at Wimbledon. Despite exchanging texts prior to their meeting in SW19, Andreeva confesses that she was too timid to engage in conversation.
During her breakthrough at the Madrid Open earlier this year, Andreeva publicly expressed her admiration for the former world number one, describing him as an “incredible” and “remarkable” individual. Notably, a text message from Murray served as a catalyst for her triumph in the first Grand Slam match of her career at the recent French Open.
Subsequently, Andreeva progressed to the third round at Roland Garros, where she was defeated by Coco Gauff, another prodigious talent who reached the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019. Reflecting on her loss, Andreeva embarked on a period of introspection.
“After Paris, I had a lengthy conversation with myself, a solitary dialogue,” Andreeva revealed. “I delved into my thoughts and arrived at various realizations. I made important decisions that I believe will significantly impact my journey.”
When asked about the nature of her realizations, she responded, “Everything. The appropriate choices to make during crucial moments on the court, such as when trailing 1-5, 0-40. Every aspect, both pertaining to tennis and mental strength.”
An average teenager who throws tantrums, adores Netflix, and despises chemistry.
Andreeva’s maturing presence on the court is evident through deep reflection, although occasional bursts of teenage temperament reveal her youthful side.
During her match against Gauff in Paris, she impulsively thwacked a ball into the crowd, accidentally hitting a fan. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the incident could have resulted in her disqualification. Andreeva later acknowledged the folly of her action, labeling it a “stupid move.”
Moving forward to her Wimbledon appearance, Andreeva redirected her frustration inward, repeatedly thumping her thigh with her fist after a missed return.
Apart from these expressive reactions, as well as a penchant for untidiness and shyness, Andreeva identifies with various aspects that typify her as a regular teenager.
One of her favorite pastimes away from the tennis courts is relaxing and watching television. Additionally, she diligently balances her academic responsibilities alongside her training. Attending an online Russian school while based in the French resort of Cannes, Andreeva manages the core subjects, such as mathematics and English, with ease. However, chemistry doesn’t particularly captivate her interest.
“I engage in activities that girls my age typically enjoy. I love indulging in TV series. I have no choice but to attend school and continue my studies. I have to endure it for two more years, and that’s the deal,” she remarked with a smile.
“In my leisure time, I sometimes prefer solitude, depending on my mood. But most of the time, if I’m being honest, I find myself immersed in Netflix.”
