“After French Open, I had quite a long talk with myself, just me and myself” – Andreeva on Wimbledon run

The 16-year-old Federer fan also reveals how she has been inspired by 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal’s mental toughness

Mirra Andreeva during her third round win at Wimbledon Image Credit: Action Plus / Panoramic

Haresh Ramchandani

July 10, 2023

Mirra Andreeva, aged 16, has been tipped as one of the players to watch out for in the women’s game. but many have been surprised by her rapid ascent on the pro tour in the first half of the season.

The Russian is through to the fourth round of Wimbledon in just her second Grand Slam main draw appearance. She will make her top 100 debut next week and is projected to be ranked in the top 70, with the possibility of going higher if she keeps going deeper into the draw.

And while many may be impressed with their game on the court, Andreeva has also been working on her mental side – revealing how she had a long talk with herself after reaching the third round of Roland-Garros last month.

“Honestly, after Paris I just had quite a long talk with myself, just me and myself, and that’s it. I talked to myself. I just talked. I don’t know, just in my head I realized some things. I took some decisions that I think are now important for me,” Andreeva said. “I think I did a good job because now everything is working so far. Yes, I just talked with myself, and I decided everything what I have to do next. So far it’s working.”

“Everything,” she responded when asked what were some of the things she spoke to herself about. “Which decision is right decision at the time on the court. What to do if I lose 1-5, Love-40, for example. I don’t know, just about everything. Tennis-wise, mental-wise. So yes… Tennis-wise I can say that I’ve changed a lot after also my talk with myself after French Open. Just after Australian Open I’ve been working on it to improve it.”

I just try to remember what would Rafa do in these moments, what would he do on the score.
Mirra Andreeva on getting inspired by Rafael Nadal

Andreeva revealed that she has also been looking towards Rafael Nadal for inspiration, especially after the Spaniard’s return to the sport in 2022 after which he won the Australian and French Opens.

“I always admire (Roger) Federer and he was always my favorite player. But after Nadal, he won French Open in 2022. I was really impressed because after an injury, he came back, he won the Australian Open, he won French Open. After that, I can say that now mental-wise I just try sometimes to copy him. I just try to remember what would he do in these moments, what would he do on the score. Sometimes, yes, I can say that I copy him,” she said.

While many have noticed her precocious talent on the court, Andreeva, who will aim to take out her third seeded player at Wimbledon when she meets 25th seed Madison Keys on Monday, says off-the-court, she is like any normal 16-year-old.

“I think I’m just a normal teenager, like normal girl. I do, I think, everything that the girls my age do. I love to watch some series. I have to do my school. I have no choice. I have to suffer for two more years, and that’s it (smiling). So, yes, when I have free time, I prefer to — sometimes it depends on my mood, but sometimes I prefer to be alone, just with myself, yes. But most of the time I watch Netflix. I’m honest (smiling),” she said.