Andreeva admits which rival is the hardest for her: "They all fight for every ball, but she.."

Fernando Murciego | 24 May 2025 | 08.00

Mirra Andreeva at the Roland Garros 2025 Media Day. Source: Getty

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Looking at the list of candidates to conquer this upcoming Roland Garros, the name of Mirra Andreeva should be at the top positions, give or take. The Russian, who is already World No. 6 at just 18 years old, once again showed the humility of someone who is not fully aware of the potential she holds. Or rather, the respect that is beginning to be generated within the locker room towards her. Something very significant might be about to happen, who knows in fifteen days.

Continuing to play both circuits

“I feel that playing doubles helps me a lot. In a way, I know it's what I need to do better, gradually I feel more comfortable at the net, it helps me to handle some tricky shots on the court when playing singles. Definitely, I think doubles helps me a lot, although I have had some difficulties with the schedule, so if I decide to play both modalities, I have to be prepared. Playing doubles involves a risk that I must assume, but I love it. So far, I will only play doubles at the big tournaments, Masters 1000, and Grand Slams”.

Her connection to France

“It's an interesting question [...] I think if I had lived here a little longer, maybe it would be different, but I feel like I didn't dedicate much time to creating that version of a 'French Mirra', so I don't know. I feel like I'm still the same all the time, maybe... when I'm with my parents and family, I can be a bit more myself. Most of the time, I'm the same, no matter where I am”.

Memories of the Olympics

“I remember when we arrived here, my first practice with Diana, the feeling we had was as if we had never left, having played Roland Garros just a few weeks ago. Time flew by, but the memories are incredible. My first practice with her brought back some flashbacks, practicing on Philippe Chatrier. They are great memories, each moment I remember with a smile. I think it was a great experience for us, so now I am really looking forward to the next Olympic Games, but we have to wait. For now, we have to take it slow, then we'll see”.

The locker room respects her more and more

“Truth is, I notice a bit of a difference, yes. I start to notice that many people call me by my name, they no longer just say: ‘Hello, how are you?’. Now they say: ‘Hello, Mirra’. I don't know, I feel good, I'm not saying that many more players recognize me, but they do know me more. Now I can meet new people and talk to new people, this is great. Truth is, I didn't expect it, I didn't expect people to come and chat with me or ask me how I am. It's good that little by little, they start to get to know me, just like I get to know them”.

The toughest rival for her

“Coco Gauff is a very athletic player, it's always very difficult to finish a point with her being aggressive; in the end, you feel like she's always there, running for every ball and trying to always return one more to the court. It's not pleasant to play against someone who runs for every ball, she has a great mentality, always fights to the end and for every point. All players fight for every ball, but I feel that she tries to press the opponent much more. Her backhand is also excellent, as well as her serve, she is a great player, that's why she has won a Grand Slam. When I have the chance to face her again, I suppose I will have to accept it and try my best”.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Andreeva admite qué rival le cuesta más: “Todas luchan por cada bola, pero es que ella…”