“She hit the wall”: Former Serena Williams’ coach explains Mirra Andreeva’s Miami Open collapse
“She Hit the Wall”: Former Serena Williams Coach Analyzes Mirra Andreeva’s Miami Open Collapse
Rennae Stubbs has weighed in on Mirra Andreeva’s shocking early exit from the Miami Open, which ended the 17-year-old’s remarkable 13-match winning streak. Andreeva had recently claimed back-to-back WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, marking a breakthrough season.
After a commanding first-round win over Veronika Kudermetova, expectations were high for another deep run. However, she faltered against 17th seed Amanda Anisimova, who edged out a hard-fought 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-3 victory. Anisimova, the Qatar Open champion, showcased her resilience to halt Andreeva’s momentum.
Stubbs Breaks Down the Loss
Former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs analyzed Andreeva’s performance and mindset during the match on her podcast.
“There was no doubt she hit the wall in that match. I know she wasn’t feeling well before stepping onto the court, which likely affected her attitude. Calling for a trainer at 2-1 in the first set was highly unusual.”
Despite her struggles, Stubbs acknowledged Andreeva’s fighting spirit.
“As a 17-year-old, she could have folded after dropping the first set. But she battled on. Ultimately, Anisimova turned it around in the third, hitting winners from everywhere.”
Frustration Boils Over
Stubbs also highlighted Andreeva’s visible frustration.
“She showed her age in that moment. It felt like the Mirra Andreeva of two years ago. Her mother left the box, Conchita Martínez lost control, and it was just, ‘Forget this, I hate everything, I hate being here.’”
Doubles Hopes Still Alive
Despite her singles exit, Andreeva remains in the doubles competition alongside Diana Shnaider, her longtime partner and Olympic silver medalist. The duo has reached the semifinals, where they will face Jiang Xinyu and Wu Fang-hsien.
Match Statistics: Anisimova vs. Andreeva
| Statistic | Anisimova | Andreeva |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 1 | 8 |
| Double Faults | 7 | 7 |
| 1st Serve % | 63% (73/116) | 60% (73/122) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 58% (42/73) | 66% (48/73) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 56% (24/43) | 43% (21/49) |
| Break Points Saved | 75% (12/16) | 56% (5/9) |
| Service Games Won | 71% (10/14) | 73% (11/15) |
| 1st Return Points Won | 34% (25/73) | 42% (31/73) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 57% (28/49) | 44% (19/43) |
| Match Duration | 2h 51m | 2h 51m |
Andreeva’s Miami Open exit serves as a learning experience for the rising star. With her talent and determination, she remains a strong contender for future tournaments. All eyes now turn to her next challenge—both in singles and doubles.
