Despite being a mere 17 years old, tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva humorously referred to herself as “old” in a recent press conference. The candid comment came ahead of a highly anticipated final in Dubai, demonstrating Andreeva’s light-hearted approach to handling the pressures of such a high-stakes career.
The tennis world is certainly unpredictable, and Andreeva’s journey embodies the twists and turns the sport often takes. Despite a disappointing early exit at the Qatar Open, the 2025 season has seen a significant turnaround for the young prodigy. Stirring the tennis world, she recently ousted World No.7 Elena Rybakina, becoming the youngest WTA 1000 finalist since the format was introduced in 2019.
But it’s not all about the competitive spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence for Andreeva. She has an amusing side too, which she displayed during a press conference ahead of the Dubai championship. When discussing her evolving mindset over her two-year professional career, she humorously exclaimed, “Now, when I think…it’s been two years now already? Oh my god, old.” This light-hearted perspective is refreshing amidst the often intense atmosphere of professional tennis.
Andreeva’s rapid ascent to tennis fame hasn’t come without its challenges. The increased public expectation is one of the pressures she’s learned to manage, as she explained, “People are saying, ‘yeah she’s gonna be number one, she will win this time, she’s going to be great.’” Yet the 17-year-old is far from being deterred by the pressure. Instead, she sees it as a motivation, a testament to her opponents’ fear of her formidable game.
Andreeva’s strategy towards dealing with pressure is admirable. She focuses on proving to herself that she can handle the pressure and win high-quality matches. This approach has served her well on her path to tennis stardom, with tennis professionals like Rick Macci, Serena Williams’ childhood trainer, predicting a bright future for her.
Despite a few setbacks at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open, Andreeva has had a successful run in recent tournaments. Her journey to the Dubai final was impressive, defeating top players like Marketa Voundrousova, Peyten Stearns, and former World No.1 Iga Swiatek. This winning streak, coupled with her self-belief and determination, has positioned her as a favorite in the upcoming final.
Andreeva’s upcoming clash is with Denmark’s Clara Tauson, who is also in her first WTA 1000 final. This match will undoubtedly be a thrilling encounter, with both players vying for their first major title. With her unwavering determination and humorous approach to the pressure, Andreeva is certainly one to watch in the final and beyond.