“The goal for me is try and maintain this level and try to maintain this mindset as well,” spoke, Mirra Andreeva after etching her name as a strong contender for the next superstar nameplate. At just 17, the teen phenom achieved the unfathomable after shocking World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to claim a consecutive Masters 1000 title at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. She improved to a 19-3 win-loss record for the season and became the youngest player under 18 to defeat the top 2 players back-to-back in the same tournament since Serena Williams in 1999. But, what’s her secret ingredient?
How did she manage to pull this off for a player whose nascent career holds, little to no experience against formidable players like Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka?
Well, the teen talent’s secret recipe lies in her journal. Andreeva fancies carrying a little notebook to her matches. It contains handwritten notes on the rivals she has faced and refers to them during mid-match changeovers. This practice, though, quite uncommon, perfectly suited her agenda. It worked in her favor in times of distress and, more so, helped her record a comeback against the Belarusian star.
The player suffered a one-set deficit during their title clash in Tennis Paradise. But now, it has earned validation from Serena Williams ex-coach.
Responsible for initially coaching the Williams sisters, Rick Macci, took to X, stating his thoughts on Andreeva’s healthy on-court practice. He encouraged players to learn from the young talent as most therapists suggest this method to keep your emotions in check.
“Players need to take note of this. Andreeva reading her Notes from her journal of fellow competitors on the changeover. Remember when you write it down read it see it smell it and touch it you lock it in your memory Bank. And this kid will take it to the Bank,” he wrote.
Players need to take Note of this. Andreeva reading her Notes from her journal of fellow competitors on the change over. Remember when you write it down read it see it smell it and touch it you lock it in your memory Bank .And this kid will take it to the Bank. @MirraAndreevaFR
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) March 17, 2025
For those unaware, Andreeva became the youngest player to clinch consecutive Masters 1000 (previously Tier 1) events since Martina Hingis in 1997. Her breathtaking breakthrough came days after she claimed her maiden Masters crown in Dubai, where she defeated Polish No. 1 Swiatek en route to the summit clash. On Monday, she rose to a career-high sixth in ranking. All in all, her metronomic rise to the top deserves the spotlight.
Before taking her leave from the Californian desert, the Russian sensation addressed fans during the award ceremony, reiterating a Snoop Dogg-inspired quote.
Mirra Andreeva ‘thanks herself’ for overcoming challenges in Indian Wells
Russian rising star Mirra Andreeva conquered the desert and unlike many players, decided to appreciate tribute to her hard work and dedication. She quoted a famous Snoop-Dogg-inspired anecdote, one that dates back seven years. This wasn’t the first time. Notably, after lifting the Dubai Open in February earlier this year, the 17-year-old turned heads for her heartwarming award acceptance speech.
Rushing with emotions, she delivered a powerful speech in the Middle East, saying, “I’d like to thank me. I know what I’ve been dealing with, so I want to thank me for always believing in me. I want to thank me for never quitting and always dealing with the pressure. Today was not easy, but I chose to be there 100%, so I thank myself for that.”
And, she did that again after the Indian Wells final.
Referencing rap star Snoop Dogg’s iconic words, Andreeva spoke: “Last but not least, I would again like to thank myself for fighting until the end for always believing in me, and for never quitting.” For the uninitiated, in his 2018 Hollywood Walk of Fame induction speech, the ‘Still A G Thang’ hitmaker sparked massive attention from the masses after delivering his powerful ‘I want to thank me’ candid admission.
Coming back to Andreeva nonetheless, the young player will next take to the court for the Miami Open, slated to commence on March 19. If she registers similar results, she could potentially become the youngest player to complete the Sunshine Double in a single run. What do you make of her chances? Do let us know in the comments.
The post “Lock it in”- Serena Williams’ Childhood Mentor Drops a Clever Tip After Seeing Mirra Andreeva’s Indian Wells Success appeared first on EssentiallySports.