At just 17 years old, Mirra Andreeva is already making a name for herself in the world of tennis thanks to a combination of undeniable talent and original superstitions. Working with legendary coach Conchita Martinez, the young Russian has made impressive strides in her career, including a Grand Slam semi-final at Roland Garros and her first WTA title. However, Andreeva’s journey is not without its own challenges, including her unwavering eating rituals and emotional outbursts that keep Martinez on her toes.
A Coach with a Legendary CV
Andreeva teamed up with 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez in April last year, a partnership which has already paid off. Although it wasn’t Andreeva’s first choice—she had initially approached Dinara Safina and Kim Clijsters—Martinez’s experience and professionalism proved invaluable. Under his guidance, Andreeva reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open, beating top players like Aryna Sabalenka, and won her first WTA title at the Iasi Open.
Superstitions: Rituals around Chicken, Rice and Recovery Shakes
Andreeva admits that her superstitions, particularly around food, add complexity to her dynamic with Martinez. The girl insists on eating the same meals throughout a tournament—usually chicken and rice—if that’s what she started eating.
“If I start the tournament eating chicken and rice, I can’t change that. Even though I am tired, I have no choice; I have to eat it,” Andreeva explained.
Its idiosyncrasies also extend to on-court snacks. For the Australian Open, she opted for dried fruit, saying: “It’s dried fruit for Melbourne this year.”
Interestingly, Martinez also adopted a ritual after an accidental splash of recovery shake powder. Now, she deliberately spills a little powder before making each shake—proof that her training style embraces Andreeva’s idiosyncrasies while maintaining a focus on performance.
Navigating Teen Emotions
Beyond her superstitions, Andreeva’s emotional intensity on and off the court presents another challenge. Known for her occasional outbursts, the young star admits that her temperament can make her “quite complicated” to train. However, Martinez found a balance between discipline and understanding, helping Andreeva channel her emotions productively.
“I feel very comfortable telling him everything that’s going on 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 combining professionalism and moments of levity to foster a supportive environment.
A Bright Future with Room to Grow
Andreeva’s results speak for themselves. Beyond her success at Roland Garros, 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 on victory. Despite the setbacks, Andreeva continues to grow, crediting her partnership with Martinez for helping her navigate through wins and losses.
Reflecting on the ups and downs of 2024, Andreeva shared a key lesson:
“You shouldn’t focus on defending your title or writing your name in tennis history. The main thing is to focus on yourself and give 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 is not only refining her game, but also learning 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.
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