After impressive WTA 1000 victories in Dubai and Indian Wells, including wins against the world`s top two players, Mirra Andreeva has set her sights on the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The coveted prize? A Porsche Macan Turbo, displayed courtside in Stuttgart, along with ranking points and prize money.
“The view on center court is amazing,” Andreeva, ranked No. 7, commented. “I’ve already been eyeing the cars, but I know we`re not there yet. Just admiring for now. I don’t even have my driver`s license yet!”
At 17, Mirra is the youngest top 100 player and is rapidly rising in the ranks. She`s among six Top 10 players competing in Stuttgart, facing a challenging path ahead. Her first challenge comes sooner than expected: a first-round match against her sister, Erika, an opponent she has yet to defeat.
Erika, ranked No. 97 and aged 20, entered the main draw as a lucky loser after Marta Kostyuk`s withdrawal, creating this unusual sibling matchup. Mirra acknowledged the possibility of facing her sister before the draw was confirmed.
“I know there was a chance I could play Erika again,” she said. “We`ll handle it professionally. It will be like any other match. If it happens, we’ll go on court and compete. It could be a great, entertaining match.”
The Andreeva sisters have played once before at the WTA level, with Erika winning in Wuhan. Mirra recalls leading in that match but ultimately losing to her sister.
Erika described their previous match as “tough for both of us,” highlighting the unusual dynamic of competing against a sibling on a big stage.
Despite not practicing together recently, Erika is well-acquainted with Mirra`s game from their childhood. She noted the strange dynamic of anticipating her sister`s moves based on years of playing together.
At the US Open in 2024, the sisters discussed their rivalry, with Erika recalling her past dominance due to Mirra`s young age. Mirra admitted Erika always won in their younger years.
Now, Mirra is a Top 10 player, while Erika is in the Top 100, both making their Stuttgart debut. Mirra attributes her recent success to finding a balance between enjoying the game and taking it seriously.
“I try to enjoy every moment on court, have fun, but also be serious,” Mirra explained. “Finding that balance has helped me a lot these past months.”
Both Mirra and Erika will need to find that balance as they face each other across the net in Stuttgart.
Rupert Caldwell