Mirra Andreeva, the 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy, is making waves at the 2025 French Open, her stellar performance drawing comparisons to tennis legends Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis. With a combination of skill, determination, and a touch of superstition, Andreeva is carving her own path to greatness.
Andreeva’s Unstoppable Journey
Andreeva’s journey to the top has been nothing short of meteoric. Her performance at Roland Garros in 2024, where she reached the semi-finals, catapulted her into the global spotlight. In 2025, she has continued to build on that success, securing WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, and climbing to a career-high ranking of world No. 6 in singles.
Born on April 29, 2007, in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Andreeva began playing tennis at the age of six. Her talent was evident early on, and she quickly rose through the junior ranks, becoming the world No. 1 junior player on May 29, 2023.
Key Highlights of Andreeva’s Career
- Former World No. 1 Junior: Andreeva reached the pinnacle of junior tennis, showcasing her potential from a young age.
- 2023 Australian Open Girls’ Finalist: She displayed her competitive spirit by reaching the final, losing a hard-fought match to Alina Korneeva.
- Multiple ITF Titles: Andreeva made history by winning multiple titles at the ITF W60 level or above before turning 16, a feat unmatched in the history of the ITF World Tennis Tour.
- 2024 French Open Semi-Finalist: At just 17, Andreeva reached her first Grand Slam semi-final, defeating World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals.
- 2024 Olympic Silver Medalist: Partnering with Diana Shnaider, Andreeva secured a silver medal in women’s doubles at the Paris Olympics.
- 2025 WTA 1000 Champion: Andreeva became the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title, triumphing in Dubai and later Indian Wells.
The “Lucky Charm”
During her third-round match at the 2025 French Open against Yulia Putintseva, Andreeva revealed that a “lucky charm” had been instrumental in her success. A young girl had given her a gift before the match, and Andreeva felt it brought her good fortune. This heartwarming moment highlights Andreeva’s connection with her fans and the positive energy that surrounds her.
In the past, Andreeva has also mentioned Andy Murray as a source of inspiration and a “lucky charm.” After Murray won a Challenger event, Andreeva congratulated him, and his response wishing her luck at Roland Garros seemed to coincide with her strong performance.
During the 2024 French Open, after claiming her first senior grand slam victory, the then sixteen-year-old Andreeva said: “When you’re here and take a lunch with all these stars, you see Andy Murray, you see his face and he’s so beautiful in life, he is so amazing”.
Matching Hingis and Sharapova
Andreeva’s achievements at the 2025 French Open have placed her in the company of tennis legends. Her 30th victory of the year before the conclusion of the tournament is a milestone previously reached by Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis, solidifying her status as one of the youngest players to achieve such a feat.
Martina Hingis: A Young Prodigy
Martina Hingis burst onto the tennis scene as a teenager, achieving remarkable success at a young age. Hingis became the youngest Grand Slam singles champion of the 20th century when she won the Australian Open in 1997 at the age of 16. She went on to win multiple Grand Slam titles and reach the No. 1 ranking in the world.
Maria Sharapova: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Maria Sharapova, known for her powerful game and on-court presence, also made a significant impact early in her career. Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17, signaling the start of her reign as one of the sport’s top players. She achieved the world No. 1 ranking and completed a career Grand Slam, winning all four major titles.
Andreeva’s Playing Style and Strengths
Andreeva’s success can be attributed to her well-rounded game and mental fortitude. She possesses a rare combination of technical skills, tactical awareness, and unwavering determination.
- Court Awareness: Andreeva has an exceptional ability to read the court and anticipate her opponent’s moves.
- Adaptability: She can adjust her game plan mid-match, exploiting weaknesses and taking control of points.
- Mental Strength: Andreeva has demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, fighting through tough matches and overcoming mental challenges.
- Strategic Gameplay: Andreeva is known for her ability to redirect shots early in rallies, disrupting her opponent’s rhythm and taking control of points.
Overcoming Challenges
Andreeva has also been candid about the mental struggles she has faced. In an interview at Indian Wells, she spoke about the importance of fighting against negative thoughts and pushing herself to win. Her ability to overcome these challenges is a testament to her resilience and mental toughness.
Coaching and Influences
Andreeva’s career has been shaped by the guidance of experienced coaches. Conchita Martínez, a former world No. 2, has been instrumental in Andreeva’s development, helping her find balance and maintain a positive mindset on the court.
Andreeva has also expressed admiration for Maria Sharapova, who has offered her support and guidance. The opportunity to connect with a former champion has undoubtedly been valuable for the young player.
Andreeva’s Impact on Women’s Tennis
Mirra Andreeva’s rise has captured the attention of the tennis world, and her success is helping to elevate the profile of women’s tennis. Her exciting style of play, combined with her engaging personality, has made her a fan favorite.
With interest in women’s sports continuing to grow, Andreeva is poised to become one of the sport’s biggest stars. Her recent performances have led to increased media attention and lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Rolex.
Future Aspirations
As she celebrates her 18th birthday, Andreeva has already achieved more than many players accomplish in their entire careers. However, she remains focused on her goals and determined to continue improving.
Andreeva has expressed a desire to reach the top five in the world rankings and compete for Grand Slam titles. With her talent, work ethic, and unwavering belief in herself, there is no limit to what she can achieve.
Andreeva Beyond the Court
Off the court, Andreeva is known for her charm, humor, and honesty. She enjoys relaxing, walking, and spending time with her family. Her down-to-earth personality has endeared her to fans and media alike.
Conclusion: A Star in the Making
Mirra Andreeva is more than just a rising star; she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis. Her exceptional talent, combined with her mental strength and engaging personality, has made her one of the most exciting players to watch. As she continues her journey, Andreeva is poised to achieve even greater success and leave a lasting legacy on the sport.
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