Written by Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 12, 2025
Photo credit: Jean Catuffe/Getty
Clever court sense makes youth Mirra Andreeva great threat.
These days, Andreeva intends to continue her march forward looking back at the all-court singer.
Pegula: The Swiatek Case Stirs Faith and Frustration
Roland Garros semifinalist Andreeva showed a powerful attack Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the second round of the Australian Open.
Last year, Andreeva knocked out Ons Jabeur on her way to the fourth round of the AO in her first tournament. He returns to Melbourne this year ranked 15th and aiming for a Top 10 finish.
17-year-old Andreeva is coached by the former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinezbut he cites another Grand Slam champion as his tennis example: Martina Hingis.
Hall of Famer Hingis won three consecutive Australian Open championships from 1997-1999.
The Swiss Miss’ ability to play on the front foot and close the net has inspired Andreeva to sharpen her net skills.
Today, Andreeva won 14 of 21 trips to the net and sometimes used her forehand to stop the net rush. Andreeva, who like Hingis has a deadly two-hander, won 11 of the 15 points served in Bouzkova’s second set.
Andreeva sees Hngis as the soul sister of style.
“I always liked the way Martina Hingis played. I saw some similarities, I would say,” said Andreeva. “He also plays smart. I would say he played smart and I play smart like him.
“I’m trying to, you know, play smart, but I think the difference is that he wasn’t afraid to, you know, go in and finish the point and be aggressive.”
Andreeva, who is quick on the court, said she is learning to use her speed as an offensive weapon and to transition to the net.
“Now I’m just starting to learn how to do it,” said Andreeva about her efforts to improve her net play. “I know, the first games of the year I start, I try to force myself to finish the point in the net or go, enter the field.”
“I thought when I looked [Martina Hingis] he played, he was always there, whenever he had a chance, he would always go in and try to finish the point aggressively,” said Andreeva. “And Steffi Graf, I’d say she’s a tricky player with that piece. And she actually plays, I would say, like Conchita and a piece, and turns to the front. That’s a little different, so I don’t use a lot of pieces (smile). But I can see a little resemblance between myself and Martina Hingis. ”
