Mirra Andreeva Eyes Australian Open Glory, Shakes Off Superstition and Rising Expectations
A compelling pattern suggests a strong correlation between winning the Adelaide title and subsequent success at the Australian Open, and rising star Mirra Andreeva is acutely aware of the precedent as she progresses through the tournament.
Mirra Andreeva’s recent triumph at the Adelaide International has ignited speculation about her chances at the Australian Open, fueled by a historical trend: three of the last four Adelaide champions have gone on to lift the trophy in Melbourne. The most recent example is Madison Keys, who secured a surprise victory in Melbourne just twelve months prior.
Andreeva, however, is attempting to navigate the pressure of expectation with a pragmatic mindset. “Yes, I do know [about it],” she acknowledged to ESPN following her first-round victory at Melbourne Park on Monday. “I’m trying not to think about it as we’re different people, different players. I’m trying to keep my mind off of that.”
The 18-year-old demonstrated her focus with a dominant performance on Wednesday, defeating former world No. 3 Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-4, and advancing to the third round. This success comes after a breakthrough year that saw her claim two WTA 1000 titles and reach the quarterfinals at both the French Open and Wimbledon, solidifying her position as the No. 8 seed.
However, Andreeva’s ability to compartmentalize and manage pressure is a relatively new development. She revealed a past reliance on strict routines and superstition to maintain performance. “Sometimes I could get really crazy,” she admitted. “Like, eating the same thing, waking up at the same time, doing everything at the same time.”
A deliberate disruption of these habits during the Adelaide tournament proved pivotal. “But then in Adelaide, on purpose, I broke the routine just to see what would happen. And nothing bad happened. So after that, I’m just not going to spend my time doing that kind of stuff.” This newfound flexibility appears to be a key component of her evolving mental fortitude.
While Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff remain the bookmakers’ favorites, Andreeva is rapidly ascending the ranks. She experienced a different Australian Open three years ago, falling in the final of the girls’ event. Now, she appears poised for a potential quarterfinal clash with Gauff.
The weight of expectation is undeniable, but Andreeva is demonstrating a growing capacity to handle it. She displayed resilience in her first-round match, recovering from a set down to defeat Donna Vekic, showcasing improved composure and concentration.
Dealing with pressure initially proved challenging, she explained. “I feel like before, it was kind of harder for me, because it was all new to me, and I didn’t really know that that is normal or what to do with that.” However, consistent work with her coach, Conchita Martinez, a sports psychologist, and her broader team has provided her with the tools to cope. “But now, with time… I just know that it’s normal. I’m going to get pressure from defending points or defending titles… but I just have to learn how to accept it and play with it. And that’s it.”
Martinez, a former Wimbledon champion herself, has been instrumental in Andreeva’s rise. The pair’s relaxed dynamic – reportedly including playful chases through the corridors of Melbourne Park before her match against Sakkari – belies a focused and tactical partnership. Martinez previously guided Garbine Muguruza to a Wimbledon title in 2017 and spent two years coaching Karolina Pliskova.
“I think our personalities kind of match also, because we both strive for the same things,” Andreeva shared. “Off the court, we like to joke around and have a lot of fun… but we both understand that when we get on site… it’s more about how to work on something, how to improve.”
Andreeva’s engaging personality extends beyond the court, with her on-court interviews becoming a fan favorite. “I can say that I’ve been like this my whole life,” she said with a smile. “I like to joke around a lot and I like to annoy people as well. It’s just me. It’s just who I am.”
Currently, Andreeva is scheduled to face Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania in the third round on Friday. While a Grand Slam title remains her ultimate ambition, she is prioritizing her physical well-being. “I would say, first, my goal would be to stay healthy, to play free, with no pain,” she stated. “And also to enjoy every match that I play, and to learn new stuff. My goal would be to improve every day as a tennis player and as a human as well. And then I think if I do everything well… good things are probably going to come. I hope so.”
