Mirra Andreeva arrived at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this week, tasked with defending her title and the crucial 1,000 ranking points that come with it. The talented Russian teenager spoke of her inspiration drawn from legendary athlete LeBron James, as well as her burgeoning rivalry with fellow young tennis star Victoria Mboko.
At just 18 years old, Andreeva has already made her mark by winning the Dubai title in 2025—her first WTA 1000 victory—and subsequently achieving an impressive streak of 13 consecutive match wins, including consecutive titles at both Dubai and Indian Wells. As the tournament begins, she is seeded fifth and starts her 2026 campaign under unusual circumstances, having advanced to the last 16 without hitting a ball. This is due to receiving a first-round bye, followed by Daria Kasatkina’s withdrawal due to a right hip injury, which propelled Andreeva straight into the third round where she will face Jaqueline Cristian.
Now firmly established in the top 10 of the world rankings, Andreeva is part of a fresh generation of players, highlighted by her rivalry with Mboko. Their recent clashes in Brisbane and Doha have showcased the unpredictability of early-season performances. With significant ranking points on the line, an early exit in Dubai could have repercussions for both players.
Before her first match, Andreeva shared insights into the mental aspects of maintaining success on the professional circuit. Instead of concentrating on tactics, she highlighted the psychological battle of staying positive when results do not meet one’s expectations.
“The hardest part is to still be positive,” Andreeva remarked, noting that confidence can often be fleeting in tennis. When everything aligns and performances are strong, matches can feel easy. However, she emphasized that the true test comes when challenges arise, and self-doubt can creep in.
“It’s easy to be confident when the ball is flying and everything is going your way. But for me, the hardest part is to maintain that mental focus when things don’t go as planned,” she explained, acknowledging her off day during practice.
As a previous Grand Slam semifinalist and now a holder of WTA 1000 titles, Andreeva has moved away from being perceived as an underdog. Matches against her are often tense affairs that hinge on minute differences rather than shifts in momentum.
Reflecting on the critical nature of each point, Andreeva conveyed her philosophy towards inconsistency. She understands the choice between succumbing to negativity or staying mentally strong for every subsequent point.
“I missed some shots that I usually don’t miss, and I told myself to either let that negativity take over or to fight hard for the next one. You just have to forget about the last point and take it one step at a time.”
Her approach to the mental game has been informed by insights from sports figures like James, who emphasized that true champions perform their best under duress: “It’s easy to play well when you feel great, but what defines you is how you respond when times are tough.”
As for her rivalry with Mboko, Andreeva expressed excitement about the future of their encounters, recognizing the growing attention their meetings have garnered. “I believe we might have something long-lasting in terms of competition, especially since we’ve faced each other twice this year alone,” she said, while also acknowledging the respect she holds for Mboko, whom she called a “great player.” Their history together adds a layer of depth to their burgeoning competition, and Andreeva is enthusiastic about the many tournaments ahead where their paths will likely cross again.
With a focus on resilience and positive mentality, the future looks bright for Andreeva as she aims to navigate this challenging tournament.