A year has transformed Mirra Andreeva‘s trajectory since Conchita Martinez joined her team ahead of the 2024 Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole last April. Their partnership quickly became formidable. This collaboration propelled Andreeva to a remarkable No. 7 ranking, highlighted by wins at two prestigious WTA 1000 events in Dubai and Indian Wells. Martinez is clearly translating her wealth of experience as a former player. Andreeva herself acknowledged this, saying, “I just felt like I knew her for so long.” Their seamless teamwork suggests an enduring familiarity, but it actually began with an amusing twist!
During a press conference at Indian Wells, Mirra admitted she didn’t exactly know who Conchita was. That’s surprising, given Martinez’s status as the 1994 Wimbledon champion and former World No. 2! But Mirra clarified what really happened in an interview with Tennis Insider Club on April 27 in Madrid.
She said, “Last year, when I was playing here, I was sitting in the restaurant and I saw one woman just walking next to me. I looked at her, and she was smiling and friendly. She said, ‘Hi, how are you?’ and I’m like ‘hello, I’m good. How are you?’ I didn’t know who it was. And every day she did the same thing, smiling, being so friendly, asking me how I am.” This matches Mirra’s memory of their first interaction.
However, after her mother, Raisa, pointed out that the woman wasn’t just “friendly,” Mirra responded, “but I don’t know who it is.’ “Her mother then said, “Conchita! It’s Conchita Martinez!” But how did Mirra not know the former Spanish tennis star? She explained, “I didn’t know how she looked, of course I knew the name, I wouldn’t recognize her on the streets. And then after that, we were also looking for the coach, and my agent knows her very well, and that’s how we started well.” Andreeva hired Martinez last year on the recommendation of her IMG agent. This agent also worked with former world No. 1 Garbine Muguruza, who was coached by Martinez for three years!
The two hit it off immediately. Fans see their fun dynamic on tour. They often banter openly. In January, Mirra even confessed to being a “pain in the a**” to Conchita because she likes being a brat and tries to annoy her during practice or when Martinez says something she doesn’t like. Mirra also revealed in the interview that they talk about their first meeting often. “I keep telling her about it. We laugh so hard, because she said that I was not very nice because I was not very smiley!”
Now Mirra is all smiles with Conchita. Her wins this season in Dubai and Indian Wells were greeted with warm hugs and forehead kisses after tough matches against players like Aryna Sabalenka and Clara Tauson. Mirra celebrates her victories with her coach and never misses the chance to credit her.
“Thanks to Conchita. She helped me improve, so thanks to her. I know sometimes it’s not easy to work with me. I think she’s doing a good job so far. Sometimes could be better… but she’s ok,” the Russian sensation said, repeating this in her winner’s speeches and post-match interviews. Clearly, Conchita knows just what Mirra needs to up her game.
Martinez’s aim is to ensure the rising star remains focused
Days after winning back-to-back WTA 1000 tournaments, Mirra Andreeva is living the dream of every 17-year-old-lighting up social media with her posts and celebrations. Her coach, Conchita Martinez, gets it. “It’s all about balance,” Martinez told TENNIS.com. “In the end, I push her to practice, push her to do the right things and take care of many things so she can be a better player. She’s very receptive, and a fast learner. Outside the tennis court, she’s a happy girl. She sings, and she jokes, and so for me that’s great. I also like to joke and have fun, so it’s all good. We can work hard, and also have fun.”
The professional tennis calendar doesn’t slow down for anyone, and neither does Mirra. She jetted from the California desert to South Florida for a whirlwind of TV interviews, photoshoots, and media appearances-just part of the gig as a top IMG player. Social media stars like LeBron James and Maria Sharapova sent her shoutouts. On Instagram, she even posted a practice video shot from her stuffed animal keychain’s point of view, set to No Doubt’s “I’m Just A Girl.”
That playful spirit is exactly what stands out to Martinez. Sure, Mirra is a teen phenom with a “complete” game, but she’s also just a girl from Krasnoyarsk, Russia. She collects fan gifts in her suitcase and is still waiting for her mom to buy her a puppy. Martinez, the 1994 Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2, knows it’s a delicate dance-pushing Mirra to reach her highest potential while keeping her grounded under tennis’ bright spotlight.
Now, Mirra is back in Madrid for the Mutua Madrid Open, and she’s on a roll. The 17-year-old has just made it to the quarterfinals, setting up a showdown with World No. 4 Coco Gauff. Last year, her run was stopped by Aryna Sabalenka at this stage, but with her current momentum, could the Russian rabbit oust Gauff and go even further? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
The post “I Was Not Very Nice,” Mirra Andreeva Reveals Her Blunt Mistake in Initial Interactions With Coach Conchita Martinez appeared first on EssentiallySports.