Mirra Andreeva may be on the verge of adulthood, but the rising Russian tennis star admits she’s not entirely ready to embrace it just yet. Ahead of her 18th birthday on Tuesday, the teenage sensation revealed she feels nervous about stepping into the world of adult responsibility.
Andreeva, who has already claimed WTA 1000 titles and broken into the top-10 rankings at just 17, acknowledged during an interview with Tennis Channel that she still sees herself as a kid in many ways — even though she’s grown significantly as both a player and a person over the past year.
Andreeva: “I don’t want to be responsible for myself”
“I don’t want to be responsible for myself,” Andreeva confessed.
“I think that Mirra 12 months ago was still surprised by how she played on court and by beating top players. But the Mirra standing here today can rely more on herself. She trusts herself more in matches. She knows what to expect from her game.”
The current world No. 7 added:
“I feel a bit more confident—not self-confident necessarily, but confident in my tennis. I’m happy you can see some growth and that I’m improving.”
A Rising Star with Great Expectations
Andreeva’s rapid rise has drawn comparisons to Maria Sharapova, and many believe the young Russian is destined for greatness. Her composure and maturity on court, despite her youth, continue to impress fans and experts alike.
She has been training under the guidance of Conchita Martinez, the 1994 Wimbledon champion, who has repeatedly stressed the importance of patience and not rushing the journey toward major titles.
Currently, Andreeva is making steady progress at the Madrid Open, where she is set to face Yulia Starodubtseva in the round of 16.
