In a startling revelation, Rennae Stubbs, the lauded Grand Slam doubles champion, has likened the rising tennis star, Mirra Andreeva, to the iconic Roger Federer and Madison Keys. Issuing a strong word of caution, Stubbs stresses that the tennis world should be wary of this young sensation.
At the tender age of 17, Andreeva has achieved a feat unprecedented in the history of women’s tennis. With a stunning victory at the Dubai Championships, she’s become the youngest-ever player to win a WTA 1000 tournament. By defeating Clara Tauson in the championship match, Andreeva secured her second career title, catapulting her into the top 10 of the WTA Rankings. This feat hasn’t been achieved by someone so young since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007.
Delving into the young star’s meteoric rise, Stubbs shared her insights on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast. She attributed Andreeva’s success to her mental fortitude, drawing comparisons between her and Keys.
“Mirra Andreeva reminds me of Madison Keys in many ways, especially considering her mental transformation on the court,” Stubbs shared. “There was a time when I wondered if she’d ever gain control over her mental game, but she’s now a completely changed player.”
Stubbs drew a parallel to Federer’s junior days, stating, “Just like Federer, she had to learn quickly what works and what doesn’t on the professional circuit. This is why the tennis world should be on guard against both Andreeva and Madison, as they’ve mentally figured out the formula for success.”
The 2025 season kicked off with Andreeva facing off against world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in her initial two tournaments in Brisbane and at the Australian Open, where she did not emerge victorious. However, Stubbs believes these early defeats only served to fuel Andreeva’s ambition.
Drawing a boxing analogy, Stubbs explained, “It was like watching a middleweight against a heavyweight in the ring. Although she lacked the power to overcome Sabalenka, these matches were pivotal in revealing her areas for improvement.”
Stubbs predicts significant growth in Andreeva’s physical strength, given her age and potential. “There’s no doubt that her shots will carry more weight, and her depth of shot is impressive. She consistently lands her ball deep into the court, close to the baseline, and her backhand down the line is exceptional,” she added.
As the tennis world watches this young prodigy’s career unfold, Stubbs’ warning provides a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for her competitors.
