MADRID — Seated calmly behind a high-top table in the VIP area of the Mutua Madrid Open, Mirra Andreeva surveyed the large group of press reporters eagerly seeking her attention. Over 20 journalists and photographers gathered on Tuesday, captivated by her words and subtle reactions.
Just two years prior, when she was a 15-year-old announcing her arrival to the world here, this level of pre-tournament focus would have felt surreal, perhaps even unimaginable. But that was before Andreeva embarked on a stunning journey to the Round of 16 at this WTA 1000 event, a run that initiated a career now showing immense promise.
“It feels like literally a week ago,” Andreeva commented. “But, yeah, of course, I’m super excited to come back to Madrid. I have great memories.”
Andreeva is set to turn 18 shortly, but her rapid success already distinguishes her. She is currently ranked No. 7 in the PIF WTA Rankings, making her the youngest player to enter the Top 10 in 18 years. She stands as one of only three teenagers in the Top 100.
While teenagers typically lack the full physical development and power of more seasoned players, Andreeva defies this norm. She has recorded impressive statistics, hitting more winners (398) and aces (78) than any other player in this season’s WTA 1000 events so far. And remarkably, she is expected to get even stronger.
A particularly noteworthy statistic highlights her maturity on court: Despite her youth, Andreeva holds a 9-9 record against players ranked in the Top 10.
Remembering the Breakthrough
Her 2023 season began with an emotional moment. Two 15-year-old best friends who grew up playing together faced off in the Australian Open junior girls’ final. It was a tough yet memorable match, ultimately won by Alina Korneeva in over three hours, by the narrowest of margins.
Andreeva`s first professional events followed, winning ITF tournaments in Switzerland in April before arriving in Madrid as a wildcard ranked No. 194.
This would be her debut on the WTA Tour. Her first opponent was Leylah Fernandez, a Top 50 player who had reached the US Open final at age 19. Andreeva secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory, saving multiple break points and becoming only the second 15-year-old to defeat a Top 50 opponent at a WTA 1000 event.
“At the time, I tried to forget that match,” Fernandez recalled recently. “But there’s definitely something special about Mirra, the way she was able to compose herself at such a big stage. It’s never easy to play a player that’s younger than you — especially when I am considered the youngest one all the time.”
“I remember when I was 15, how nervous I was. And the way she was able to handle those nerves and just play, not only that year but the next. It was like, `Let’s keep an eye on her. She’s probably going to do great in the upcoming years.’” – Leylah Fernandez
Just twenty-four hours later, Andreeva impressively defeated No. 14-ranked Beatriz Haddad Maia in a strong 7-6(8), 6-3 performance.
“I’m a bit surprised to be in the third round but also everyone was telling me they are playing the same level as you, they are just more consistent,” Andreeva shared with reporters at the time. “Their mental level is different but the game-level is almost the same.”
Playing on her 16th birthday in Madrid, Andreeva then overcame Magda Linette, extending her professional winning streak and reaching the Round of 16, where she met reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. While Andreeva, the youngest player to reach a WTA 1000 Round of 16, was ultimately defeated by Sabalenka`s power, her performance marked her as a rising force.
Reflecting on her memorable debut two years prior, Andreeva stated, “I can say that I’m proud of myself that I did that. But this time I want to go for more.”
Aryna Sabalenka has also recognized Andreeva`s rapid ascent. “She is so fast with the results and with the improvements in her game,” Sabalenka commented later. “She is so young, so I cannot predict when she is going to be a Grand Slam winner or World No. 1 — but she is definitely going to be one.”
Handling Expectations
Like many teenagers, Andreeva is active on social media and thus keenly aware of the increasing expectations placed upon her.
“A lot of people say a lot of things and sometimes there are thoughts that are crawling into your head and you sometimes start to overthink,” Andreeva admitted in Madrid. “I’ve experienced that and I have a great team around me. I also share my feelings and everyone is trying to help me.”
“I think that now I know how to deal with this and of course it makes it a little bit easier for me.”
Perhaps more than anyone on the WTA Tour, Coco Gauff understands the unique pressures Andreeva faces as a young phenom. Gauff had her own moment in the spotlight six years ago, breaking through at Wimbledon at age 15. Gauff defeated Venus Williams as a qualifier and reached the Round of 16.
“I think as a kid I had almost like blind confidence,” Gauff reflected. “Obviously, beating Venus was a shock but not to disrespect my opponents at the time afterward, but I just felt so confident I was going to win against them. I felt like I was supposed to, even though I probably wasn’t supposed to.”
“When you’re young, you’re just out there swinging free because no one is expecting you to do anything. You’re not expecting yourself to do anything. And then maybe you realize that the level isn’t as far away as it feels when you step on the court.” – Coco Gauff
Speaking to the large press contingent before the Madrid tournament began, Andreeva was asked about the best advice she’s received for navigating her path to stardom.
“Someone told me to not to think about anything else but the point that you’re playing,” Andreeva shared, choosing not to reveal the source. “If it didn’t go your way, focus on the next point — from zero. That’s how I tried to play in Dubai and Indian Wells.”
Returning to Madrid, the focus isn`t just on a breakthrough anymore – it`s about consistently performing at the highest level and contending for the title.
Rupert Caldwell