Andreeva Provides Details on Her Incredible Mental Block in Madrid

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 28 Apr 2026 | 00.15

Mirra Andreeva, emotions in Madrid. Photo: gettyimages

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Mirra Andreeva is perceived by the tennis world as a young talent destined for immediate historic success, which only magnifies the pressure around her. She is learning to deal with it, and during the match against Bondar at the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, she experienced a tremendous emotional collapse that she later talked about.

Mirra Andreeva's journey at the Mutua Madrid Open 2026 once again showed her competitive growth. In a demanding match, both physically and emotionally, the young Russian managed to overcome challenging moments, relying on constant self-criticism and an increasingly solid mentality in crucial points.

A victory built on aggression

"In the first set, I wasn’t very aggressive. I was aggressive, but at the same time, I was waiting for her errors and not really going for my shots, so I think that's why it wasn’t going my way. Overall, I can say that I am very happy with my game. Especially in the second set and up to a certain point in the third, it was very good. I was trying to play aggressively, construct the point, take her time, so I am very happy about that and for achieving the victory today."

The importance of changing the focus on the court

"When I try to be aggressive and play my tennis, I tell myself that I'm going to do it regardless of the score. I feel that when I have the opportunity to go for my shots, my feet are quicker, and I can be aggressive throughout the point, giving me more energy for the next ones. Today, at some moments, I felt that I was pushing the game but waiting for her to make a move, and when I lost those points, I thought that had to stop. At some point, I have to seize the opportunity and try to play my game and be aggressive."

From mental block to reaction

"I found myself in a very bad place when it was 5-6 in the third set, after losing five games in a row. Maybe it’s strange to say, but I feel that at that moment it helped me a lot because I was very tough on myself and thought I didn't want to continue like that. Then I could easily win my service game without losing a point. Still, I wasn’t happy because I felt I should have closed it earlier. I feel that I have to be able to close out matches when I have the chance, and that's why right now I’m a bit tough on myself, but I think it's a very necessary critique."

Madrid, a special stage

"Madrid is a very special place for me. We have many traditions here, it coincides with my birthday, my father's, and a few days later, my mother's, so almost every year we celebrate here. That gives me extra motivation to keep fighting and pushing through the tough moments. I am super happy to have been able to win today, and I will try to give everything I have tomorrow."

Adjustments for the next match

"I would like to see a bit fewer double faults because today at some points, I was nervous and tense, although overall, I am quite happy with my serve. I also want not to wait for the opponent's errors; I prefer to make mistakes trying my shots. I want to do everything for myself when I'm on the court, and that's what I will focus on."

Mirra Andreeva's triumph at the Mutua Madrid Open 2026 once again confirms that her growth goes beyond tennis. The Russian not only competes but also understands the game, manages her emotions, and is capable of reacting in the most delicate moments, an evolution that increasingly positions her among the elite in the circuit.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Andreeva aporta detalles sobre su increíble bloqueo mental en Madrid