For a year, and her third round at Roland-Garros for the first Grand Slam of her career, the entire tennis world heralded her as a “future great”. A year later, Mirra Andreeva is in the semi-finals, and is perhaps already a “great”. Impressive in maturity and serenity this Wednesday against a diminished Aryna Sabalenka (6-7, 6-4, 6-4), the Russian, trained in Cannes with Jean-René Lisnard from January 2022, offered herself the world No. 2 and a new coup, before an affordable semi-final against Jasmine Paolini (No. 12).
His victory is in no way usurped. With her devastating backhand and her metronome regularity, the 38th in the world proved that she already belonged to the elite of women’s tennis, and that she must now appear in the list of favorites for the next Grand Slams. She will also enter at least the top 25 of the WTA rankings next Monday, an achievement at only 17 years and 1 month. She was already the only minor in the top 50.
Less permeable to pressure than before
If this rise is not surprising, the difference in level in one year is nevertheless obvious. “I think I have more stability from all points of view, whether on the tennis level or on the psychological level,” explains the Russian. I can’t say that I’m more experienced because I don’t have much experience yet, but I got used to the atmosphere, the tournament, the courts, the public… It’s easier for me now to go play on the main courts whereas last year, I was nervous before each match. »
The pressure now seems to be getting to him. In the round of 16, facing Frenchwoman Varvara Gracheva, whom she worked alongside for two years on the Côte d’Azur, Mirra Andreeva even put up with the whistles from the French public, not accepting any destabilization. “I know how to use this for myself,” she said at a press conference. I think I did well. And it even helped me, because it reboosted me from the inside. »
Constantly progressing with Conchita Martinez
Bluffing. And his level of play is just as high. Trained and guided by Roland-Garros 2000 finalist Conchita Martinez since April, the teenager draws on the Spaniard’s experience and climbs the ladder with long strides. “She gives me a lot of positive advice and when I’m not feeling good on the court or I’m having a bad day, I’m too angry for one reason or another, she gives me a lot of positive energy,” explains the semi-finalist. She energizes me. The atmosphere is good, we laugh a lot and that helps me. »
However, she did not need much help to reach these world summits. Because she assures her, her game is above all intuitive. “We always do tactics with my coach, but when I start playing, I don’t remember anything,” laughs the 38th in the world. I no longer have anything weighing on my brain and I say to myself: we’ll see, I’ll find a way. I think that’s how I work and it helps me a little to not worry too much about the game plan, about how I’m going to play. »
Mirra Andreeva notably relied on her devastating backhand to overcome Sabalenka. SUSA/Icon Sport
Even if she will prepare for her semi-final against Jasmine Paolini, who will enter the top 10 for the first time in her career at 28 years old, Mirra Andreeva will undoubtedly use the same tactics this Thursday. Faller of Elena Rybakina, the Italian hopes despite everything to cause problems for her young opponent, and contain the tornado. But it is well and truly launched, and is ready to take everything in its path.
