At just 17, Russian tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva has left audiences and critics astounded with her phenomenal performance, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling comeback victory, scoring 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. Since her notable debut at the Madrid Open in 2023, Andreeva’s star has been on a steep ascent, with many observing her as the promising future of women’s tennis.
Among her admirers is Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, who has been far from shy in his praise for the young athlete. Macci fondly refers to Andreeva as the “turbo-charged Russian Rabbit,” a testament to her exceptional agility on the court. This nickname was humorously confirmed by Andreeva herself in her post-match speech, where she likened her game to a “rabbit” skillfully dodging the “bullets” fired by Sabalenka.
Macci’s praise went beyond playful monikers. The esteemed coach lauded Andreeva’s first serve, which he describes as a mature and precise weapon that has already become a formidable part of her game. He noted her ability to effortlessly score aces and non-returns, which he attributed to her strategic use of her side pocket.
Indeed, the numbers speak volumes of Andreeva’s prowess. With a staggering 95 aces this season and a first-serve percentage of 60.4%, Andreeva’s combination of power and finesse is undeniable. Her performance against Iga Swiatek in Dubai was particularly impressive, with 10 aces that led her to victory.
Under the guidance of her coach, Conchita Martinez, Andreeva has demonstrated a remarkable evolution in her game. Martinez revealed that when they started training together, Andreeva was a novice at hitting a slice backhand. Yet today, she can be seen slicing and dicing her way past some of the world’s best players.
Former US Open champion, Andy Roddick, also commended Andreeva, noting her elite movement on the court. He observed that she doesn’t even need to play aggressively to dismantle her opponents.
Macci, who once coached Russian tennis legend Maria Sharapova, drew comparisons between the two athletes. He lauded Andreeva’s mental fortitude and focus, predicting that she could become a double-digit Slam champion and potentially the best Russian player ever, provided she stays injury-free.
The parallels between Andreeva and Sharapova are compelling. Andreeva’s recent victory against Sabalenka makes her the youngest player to defeat a world No.1 in a WTA final since Sharapova’s conquest over Lindsay Davenport in Tokyo in 2005.
However, Andreeva remains focused on carving her own legacy in the sport. Following her win against Sabalenka, she became the second-youngest woman to defeat both the world number one and two in the same tournament and the third-youngest woman to clinch the Indian Wells title.
When asked about the comparisons to Sharapova and Serena Williams, Andreeva made it clear that she is intent on focusing on her own career progression. While she acknowledges their achievements, she refuses to get entangled in their shadows.
In her pursuit of her own legacy, Andreeva is headed to Miami for the second half of the Sunshine Double, which begins on March 19. Having triumphed at Indian Wells, the question remains – can this prodigious “Russian Rocket” repeat her success? Only time will tell.