(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Russian wunderkind Mirra Andreeva, 16, reveals she is looking up to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Andreeva, who turned 16 in late April, is one of the most stunning talents in the women’s game. After reaching the round-of-16 in her WTA debut at a WTA 1000 event in Madrid, Andreeva has now been through to the Wimbledon round-of-16 as a qualifier.
At just 16, Andreeva is already showing traits of an experienced player – something that is simply astonishing. On Sunday, Andreeva saw off world No 23 Anastasia Potapova 6-2 7-5.
Andreeva on looking up to Federer, Nadal
“I always admire [Roger] Federer and he was always my favorite player.
But after [Rafael] Nadal, he won the French Open in 2022. I was really impressed because after an injury, he came back, he won the Australian Open, he won the French Open. After that, I can say that now mental-wise I just try sometimes to copy him [Nadal].
I just try to remember what would he do in these moments, what would he do on the score. Sometimes, yes, I can say that I copy him,” Andreeva said. At Wimbledon, Andreeva is making her second Grand Slam main draw appearance. In the spring, Andreeva won three qualifying matches at the French Open to qualify for the main draw.
At Roland Garros, Andreeva won a total of five matches before suffering a three-set defeat to Cori Gauff in the third round. “Honestly, after Paris I just had quite a long talk with myself, just me and myself, and that’s it.
I talked to myself. I just talked. I don’t know, just in my head I realized some things. I took some decisions that I think are now important for me. I think I did a good job because now everything is working so far. Yes, I just talked with myself, and I decided everything what I have to do next. So far it’s working,” Andreeva revealed.Andreeva plays Madison Keys in the Wimbledon round-of-16.
