“I Never Liked People”, Coco Gauff Talks About Her Frustration Over Unsolicited Advice as She Backs Mirra Andreeva’s Game
At just 17, Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva is shaking up the WTA with back-to-back 1000-level triumphs. She first turned heads at 15 during the 2023 Madrid Open, but now she’s toppling giants—Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka—vaulting into the top 10. Her meteoric rise echoes Coco Gauff’s early days, who weathered her own storms, like the “flop era” taunts, before steadying the ship. With Andreeva climbing fast, could Gauff, now a seasoned 21, have some advice for the teen sensation?
Andreeva’s first WTA 1000 crown came in Dubai, where she outclassed Clara Tauson 7-6(1), 6-1, becoming the youngest champ at that level since 2009. She doubled down at Indian Wells, avenging earlier losses to Sabalenka (Brisbane, Australian Open) with a 6-2, 4-6, 3-6 comeback win on Sunday—her second 1000 title, rocketing her to No. 6. Asked about tips for Andreeva, World No. 3 Gauff kept it real: “She’s killing it and doesn’t need much advice. When I was her age, I hated public pointers.” Gauff’s own 2023 US Open win at 19 and 2022 French Open final run weren’t a straight line either—2024 brought a nine-month title drought and brutal critiques she turned into fuel.
With new coach Matt Daly, Gauff rebounded, snagging the 2024 China Open, WTA Finals, and a United Cup title with Team USA in 2025. She’s clapped back at “internet coaches,” saying, “I’m only four years older than Mirra—there’s not much I can tell her she doesn’t know. She’s got talent and a complete game.” Sabalenka, stunned by Andreeva’s Indian Wells upset, agreed: “I’ll save advice for retirement. She’s got a great team and knows what she’s doing.”
Andreeva, meanwhile, credits her mindset for handling fame’s weight. On March 8, she told Clay Tennis, “There’s pressure, but I’ve learned to manage it.” Defending points in her second year taught her what “real pressure” feels like, and chats with Conchita Martinez, family, and friends sharpened her coping skills. Following Swiatek’s example, she’s worked with a psychologist since January, telling Tennis.com, “I’ve got new ways to handle anger, stay level, and be myself.” That edge made her the youngest WTA 1000 finalist and champ since 2009. Fresh off Indian Wells, can she ride this wave into Miami’s Sunshine Double? Drop your take below!
