Emerging tennis sensation, Mirra Andreeva, has shed light on how her recent engagement with a sports psychologist has contributed significantly to her recent triumph against Iga Swiatek. During a gripping game in Dubai, Andreeva’s newfound mental strength served her well, helping her overcome a significant deficit in the second set.
The rising Russian prodigy made a significant stride in her career by securing her first WTA 1000 semifinal spot with flair, having defeated the second-seeded Pole, Swiatek, by a 6-3 6-3 margin in the Dubai quarterfinal. A notable moment in the game came when Andreeva, seeded at No. 12, found herself trailing 1-3 in the second set.
Rather than succumbing to pressure, Andreeva demonstrated exceptional grit and resilience, managing to secure the next five games in a row to claim a straight-set victory. Reflecting on her performance, she attributed her ability to stay calm under pressure to her work with a sports psychologist.
The 17-year-old tennis player shared some insights she has picked up from her sessions with the psychologist, which have proven instrumental in her games. “I now have some new strategies on how to cope with my inner anger, what measures to take when I’m not at my best, how to sustain my performance level when I’m playing well, and how to stay true to myself,” Andreeva explained.
Reflecting on her performance against Swiatek, Andreeva discussed a critical moment when she was trailing 1-3. She had two break points to level the game but failed to convert them. In the past, such a situation might have led to her losing her composure, especially against a top-ranked player, and falling further behind. However, this time around, she maintained her equanimity.
“Today, despite being down 1-3, I had this innate conviction that I was still in the game,” Andreeva recalled. “I realized it was just a case of a few points not going my way. I felt strong, even though I was trailing 1-3. I told myself, ‘Okay, it’s going to take some time, but I’ll fight back and try to turn the tables in the second set.’”
It’s noteworthy that Swiatek herself has been working with a sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, for years, and often attributes her success and current standing in the sport to her. This goes to show the growing recognition of the role of sports psychology in enhancing athletes’ performances, as illustrated by Andreeva’s recent victory.
