Interview: "Mirra-cle" Andreeva extra motivated for Paris return

Last year was a major step up. Mirra Andreeva transformed from a teenage prodigy into a Grand Slam contender within the fortnight on the terre battue.

In the second round, the 18-year-old edged two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka 7-5 in the decider. In the Last 16, Andreeva defied an ardent home crowd to dispatch Varvara Gracheva 7-5, 6-2. Well, it got better. She overcame the No.2 seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 in an enthralling quarter-final tussle. Yes, Sabalenka was physically hampered, but Andreeva's maturity and composure in such a titanic bout was astounding.

In doing so, Andreeva became the youngest women's Grand Slam semi-finalist since Martina Hingis at US Open 1997. Jasmine Paolini ended the dream 6-3, 6-1, however, Andreeva has very clear ambitions one year on.

"I have a lot of great memories from Roland-Garros because it was my first semi-final of a Grand Slam. It was also one of the first tournaments with Conchita, so I can’t wait to go back and try to do even better than last year," Andreeva told Roland-Garros.com at the WTA 1000 in Madrid.

"It gave me extra motivation yes, because now I know I am able to do it. I was very close and now I have to just try my best to go further."

The world No.7 further cemented her major credentials at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a doubles silver medal triumph, partnering compatriot Diana Shnaider on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

"Playing Olympics for the first time was a great experience," added Andreeva, who keeps the medal at her grandparents' house. "Getting a medal, competing for the first time, is just super special. Also, it gave me extra confidence for big moments."

These Parisian milestones were significant moments, but how would Andreeva back up her 2024 success? The 18-year-old's Instagram profile reads, 'always a step forward,' and in 2025 the teenage sensation has taken plenty of giant strides forward with her enhanced athleticism, court coverage and creativity.

Speaking at Indian Wells, Andreeva revealed she has been channeling the NBA all-time great LeBron James.

"He was saying that even if you don't play your 100 percent, or even if you don't feel like you're there 100 percent physically, I'm going to choose to be 100% mentally. He said that that's what makes us champions, so I kind of tried to do the same."

That champion's mentality has certainly worked. Andreeva fired a statement double with back-to-back WTA 1000 trophies in Dubai and then Indian Wells. It caught the attention of LeBron, who pinged Andreeva a congratulatory message over social media.

Within those head-turning triumphs, the 18-year-old posted victories over world No.2 Iga Swiatek and world No.1 Sabalenka. Nothing seems to faze this generational talent.

"The last time I played Iga was in Cincinnati (2024) and I lost in three sets, the match was super tight. I thought if I was in there, super close once, then maybe next time I can beat her," mused Andreeva, who posted 6-3, 6-3 versus Swiatek in Dubai and then a 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-3 win over at Indian Wells too.

"I just went for it, thinking if I lost, nothing bad is going to happen, losing to the world No.2, multiple Grand Slam champion.

"That’s how I always face these top players, I know I have nothing to lose as well and I try to enjoy every moment in these type of matches."

It hasn’t all been plain sailing for Andreeva, admitting it's been a mental struggle at times this campaign.

"This season I'm most proud of being able to fight against the thoughts in my head and then winning a second WTA 1000 title in Indian Wells, because it’s a very prestigious tournament," stated the teenager, taking the trophy with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 scoreboard over Sabalenka back in March.

"I’m super happy and super proud of my myself that I was able to push myself and to win the tournament. I know I was, not going through a dark time, but the thoughts weren’t very nice, so I’m proud I could also overcome this."

Andreeva's honesty and cheeky comments have earned a legion of fans worldwide. Take her victory speech on the podium at Indian Wells: "I would again like to thank myself for fighting until the end and for always believing in me and for never quitting," said Andreeva in the Californian desert, using a soundbite which went vital from rapper Snoop Dogg.

It was charming, it was hilarious, Andreeva is magnetic on and off the court.

“For me fun is one of the most important things. When I have fun, when I’m not over serious on the court, is when I play some of my best tennis," stated Andreeva.

“When I play doubles I’m obviously having a lot of fun. In singles, I’m still looking for that balance, trying to compete not being too serious."

Conchita Martinez plays a significant role in finding that balance. The former world No.2 has been Andreeva's coach for just over a year. Back at RG2024, Martinez told Roland-Garros.com "we clicked immediately," impressed by her charge's adaptability and drive.

Andreeva also instantly felt comfortable working with Martinez.

"Both of us are super competitive, we know that when we are on the court we need to work very hard and we need to focus on what we need to improve. There isn’t enough time to joke and not take this seriously," insisted Andreeva.

"But when we’re off the court, we’re both super relaxed, like to joke around. That’s why she said we ‘clicked’ because it felt like I knew her for a very long time right from the first tournament together."

The world No,7, who turned 18 on Tuesday, chuckles when asked for her standout moment working alongside the Wimbledon 1994 champion and Roland-Garros 2000 runner-up.

"At the Olympics, we were warming up and I think she went to ‘poach’ (steal a volley) and she fell on the court, it was super funny... I’m joking!" Said Andreeva with a mischevious chuckle.

"It’s probably winning my first WTA 1000 title, her sitting in my box. I saw her nerves, what it meant. Coming upstairs and sharing those emotions is one of my favourite memories so far."

With her game evolving and LeBron's champion mentality instilled, it's highly likely Andreeva and Martinez will be making many more memories in Paris and beyond.