Inspired by Legend, Andreeva Rolls in AO Opener

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 12, 2025
Photograph credit score: Jean Catuffe/Getty

Shrewd courtroom sense makes teenager Mirra Andreeva a serious menace.

Lately, Andreeva goals to proceed her ahead march trying again to an all-court artist.

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Roland Garros semifinalist Andreeva confirmed bold assault sweeping Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3 to roll into the Australian Open second spherical.

A 12 months in the past, Andreeva knocked off Ons Jabeur en path to the AO fourth spherical in her match debut. She returns to Melbourne this 12 months ranked No. 15 and pushing towards a High 10 breakthrough.

The 17-year-old Andreeva is coached by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, however cites one other Grand Slam champion as her tennis function mannequin: Martina Hingis.

Corridor of Famer Hingis captured three consecutive Australian Open championships from 1997-1999.

The Swiss Miss’ talent enjoying off the entrance foot and shutting at web have impressed Andreeva to sharpen her web expertise.

Immediately, Andreeva received 14 of 21 journeys to web and typically used her exact return sport to arrange web rushes. Andreeva, who like Hingis owns a deadly two-handed backhand, received 11 of 15 factors performed on the Bouzkova second serve.

Andreeva sees Hingis as stylistic soul sister.

“I at all times like the best way Martina Hingis was enjoying. I’ve seen some similarities, I’d say,” Andreeva stated. “She’s additionally enjoying sensible. I’d say she performed sensible and I am additionally enjoying sensible as her.

“I am making an attempt to, , play sensible, however I feel that the distinction is that she was by no means afraid to, , are available in and end the purpose and be extra aggressive.”

Andreeva, who’s fast across the courtroom, stated she’s studying to make use of her pace as an offensive weapon and transition to web.

“Now I am simply beginning to learn to do it,” Andreeva stated of her efforts to enhance web play. “ I am simply, , the primary matches of the 12 months I am beginning to, I am making an attempt to drive myself to complete the purpose on the web or to go, to step within the courtroom.”

“I’d say that once I watched [Martina Hingis] play, she would at all times, as quickly as she has a possibility, she would at all times are available in and attempt to end the purpose much more aggressive,” Andreeva stated. “And Steffi Graf, I’d say that she’s a tough participant with that slice. And he or she really performs, I’d say, just about like Conchita with a slice, after which she would flip round to her forehand. That may be a bit completely different, so I am not utilizing lots of slices (smiling). However I can see a little bit of similarities with me and Martina Hingis.”