Mirra Andreeva is poised to embark on the 2026 tennis season with renewed energy and a fresh perspective after a challenging end to her previous year. Currently competing at the Adelaide International, the young Russian tennis star displayed her fierce determination with a commanding first-round victory over lucky loser Marie Bouzkova, winning 6-3, 6-1. This match marked her debut at this event and served as a solid starting point as she aims to reclaim her form against the world’s elite players.
Following a slow start in the match, Andreeva found her rhythm and ultimately won 11 of the last 13 games, showcasing her potential for the campaign ahead. Reflecting on her performance, she expressed how much winning in such an emphatic style bolstered her confidence going into the season. “Those wins gave me a lot of confidence to go through the season,” she shared, while acknowledging the pressure she placed on herself last year. Despite a promising beginning to 2025, including two WTA 1000 titles and reaching two Grand Slam quarter-finals, Andreeva’s momentum waned during the season, culminating in a difficult Asian swing that kept her from qualifying for the WTA Finals.
Andreeva has embraced the lessons learned from her experiences throughout the previous year. She acknowledged that setbacks are part of being human and emphasized the importance of accepting and moving on from disappointments. Additionally, she took advantage of the off-season, engaging in conversations with her psychologist about managing pressure and elevating her game. These discussions, along with advice from the former WTA Coach of the Year, Conchita Martinez, are helping her navigate the upcoming season while maintaining a positive mindset.
As she approaches the defense of the significant ranking points earned from her achievements last year, Andreeva is determined to be strategic in her decisions on and off the court. She expressed her enthusiasm and energy following her match against Bouzkova, noting her satisfaction with the skills she’s been working on during practice.
The young talent continues to aim high, marked by her performances as she has already reached the quarter-finals in two tournaments this season. After a recent appearance in the Brisbane International, where she was defeated by Marta Kostyuk, Andreeva is set to face either Maya Joint or Ajla Tomljanovic next. Although she may be the underdog, her focus remains steadfast. “I just have to keep believing in myself,” she stated, reflecting the mindset she has been cultivating with guidance from Martinez.
Andreeva’s journey is characterized by both resilience and growth, and she is optimistic about what lies ahead in her pursuit of tennis excellence. Her determination to improve, combined with the support of her coach, positions her as a player to watch this season, with the hope that her hard work will soon pay off.