The Russian tennis scene was left without its star when María Sharápova retired five years ago, but it seems they’ve already found their new heir. Andreeva Mirage, a 17-year-old from Siberia, has risen to the challenge, proving herself to be a prodigy in the making. Born in the Krasnoyarsk region, she’s already amassed over $4 million in just two years as a professional, including a recent $600,000 win in Dubai. As a minor, Andreeva still can’t have a bank account, so her father manages her career.
Andreeva’s rapid sporting maturation has been impressive, reaching the semifinals of Roland Garros at just 16 years old. However, she remains a girl, as she admits, and her juvenile frankness was on display when she spoke about her winnings, saying, “I don’t know what to do with so much money (…) Ask my father (…) I can’t have a bank account since I am not yet 18 years old.” This innocence was met with laughter from the audience.
During her final match in Dubai, what caught the attention of the cameras was the notebook she consulted between games, reviewing tactics as if studying for a school exam. The leaves of the mysterious notebook contained the strategy to defeat Danish player Clara Tauson, including advice like “Do not pay attention to their, sometimes, good blows. Take out everywhere, although more to the right.” Andreeva applied the tactics to perfection, securing the trophy.
Andreeva’s victory in Dubai solidified her position as a rising star, and her comments after the match reflected her humility and determination. “Incredible! I set out to enter among the top ten this season. We are still in February and I have already achieved it,” she confessed at a press conference. The Russian press has been quick to draw comparisons with Sharápova, but experts like Yevgueni Káfelnikov and Víctor Yanchuk urge caution, emphasizing that Andreeva has her own path to follow.
Andreeva’s success can be attributed, in part, to her coach, Conchita Martínez, who has helped her channel her youthful anger into positive fury, making her a formidable competitor. Andreeva is also an admirer of LeBron James, not just for his sporting achievements but for his mentality. She’s inspired by his ability to perform under pressure and has tried to emulate this in her own game. As she looks to the future, Andreeva’s feet remain firmly on the ground, and her determination to succeed is palpable. With the guidance of Martínez and her own unwavering dedication, Andreeva is poised to become the new Tsarina of tennis.
The Journey to Success
Andreeva’s journey began in 2023 when, at just 15 years old, she caught the attention of the tennis world by winning three games and yielding to Sabalenka in Madrid. Since then, she’s made rapid progress, becoming the youngest tennis player to defeat three Grand Slam champions in a single tournament since 2004. Her victory in Dubai marked a significant milestone, as she became the youngest player to win a 1000 WTA event.
Andreeva’s growth as a player has been remarkable, and her coach, Conchita Martínez, has played a crucial role in her development. Martínez, who led Garbiñe Muguruza to success, has helped Andreeva harness her anger and frustration, transforming them into a positive force on the court. With the help of a psychologist, Andreeva has learned to manage her emotions, making her a more effective competitor.
A New Era for Russian Tennis
As Andreeva continues to make waves in the tennis world, she’s being hailed as the new face of Russian tennis. Her victory in Dubai has catapulted her into the top ten, and she’s become the youngest player to achieve this feat since 2006. While comparisons with Sharápova are inevitable, Andreeva is determined to forge her own path. With her talent, dedication, and strong support team, she’s ready to take on the world, one match at a time.