At just 17 years old, Mirra Andreeva is already carving her place in the tennis world with a combination of undeniable talent and quirky superstitions. Working with legendary coach Conchita Martinez, the Russian teenager has made impressive strides in her career, including a Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open and her first WTA title. However, Andreeva’s journey isn’t without its peculiar challenges—namely, her steadfast food rituals and emotional outbursts that keep Martinez on her toes.
A Coach with a Legendary Resume
Andreeva teamed up with 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez in April last year, a partnership that has already borne fruit. Despite not being Andreeva’s first choice—she initially approached Dinara Safina and Kim Clijsters—Martinez’s experience and professionalism have proven invaluable. Under her guidance, Andreeva reached her maiden Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros, defeating top players like Aryna Sabalenka, and secured her first WTA title at the Iasi Open.
Superstitions: Chicken, Rice, and Recovery Shake Rituals
Andreeva admits that her superstitions, particularly around food, add complexity to her dynamic with Martinez. The teenager insists on eating the same meals throughout a tournament—typically chicken and rice—if that’s what she started with.
“If I start the tournament eating chicken and rice, I cannot change it. Even if I’m tired, I have no choice; I have to eat it,” Andreeva explained.
Her quirks extend to on-court snacks, too. For the Australian Open, she’s settled on dried fruits, stating, “It is dried fruits for Melbourne this year.”
Interestingly, Martinez has also adopted a ritual of her own after an accidental spill of recovery shake powder. Now, she deliberately spills a little powder before preparing every shake—proof that her coaching style embraces Andreeva’s idiosyncrasies while maintaining focus on performance.
Navigating Teenage Emotions
Beyond her superstitions, Andreeva’s emotional intensity on and off the court presents another challenge. Known for her occasional outbursts, the young star acknowledges that her temperament can make her “pretty complicated” to coach. Martinez, however, has struck a balance between discipline and understanding, helping Andreeva channel her emotions productively.
“I feel very comfortable telling her everything that happens in my life. I don’t know if she wants to hear it, though!” Andreeva joked.
Their relationship thrives on open communication and mutual respect, with Martinez blending professionalism with moments of levity to foster a supportive environment.
A Bright Future with Room for Growth
Andreeva’s results speak for themselves. Beyond her French Open success, she reached a WTA 500 final at the Ningbo Open, where she led Daria Kasatkina 3-0 in the deciding set before narrowly missing out. Despite setbacks, Andreeva continues to grow, crediting her partnership with Martinez for helping her navigate both victories and defeats.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of 2024, Andreeva shared a key lesson:
“You shouldn’t focus on defending your title or writing your name in tennis history. The key is to focus on yourself and do your best.”
What’s Next for Andreeva?
As the Australian Open progresses, Andreeva’s unique blend of talent, superstition, and a strong coach-player dynamic could propel her to new heights. With Martinez by her side, she’s not just honing her game but also learning how to navigate the emotional and mental challenges of life on the professional circuit. The tennis world is watching, and it’s clear that Andreeva is just getting started.