Tennis icon Billie Jean King has identified Mirra Andreeva as the next potential superstar in women’s tennis, confidently predicting that the 18-year-old Russian could ascend to the top of the world rankings. King’s endorsement comes on the heels of an impressive year for Andreeva, who has quickly made her mark on the WTA Tour.
In 2025, Andreeva garnered significant attention by winning consecutive titles at the Dubai Tennis Championships and the prestigious Indian Wells Open. These achievements elevated her into the WTA Top 10, making her the youngest player to secure this ranking in nearly 18 years. King’s admiration for Andreeva is rooted in her athleticism, strategic mind, and mental fortitude. She stated, “This kid wants to be number one and she will be, as long as she stays healthy. She’s an amazing athlete.” This powerful endorsement highlights King’s extensive experience and insight into the evolution of women’s tennis.
Andreeva’s breakthrough season in 2024 was marked by an impressive semi-final run at the French Open, where she triumphed over Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match, only to be defeated by Jasmine Paolini. Following this Grand Slam achievement, Andreeva maintained her momentum, reaching the quarter-finals in both Madrid and Rome, with her campaigns concluding against the world’s No. 2 player, Coco Gauff.
As the 2025 Roland Garros approaches, Andreeva enters as a Top 10 player for the first time, sparking anticipation among tennis enthusiasts and experts alike about her potential to shine once again in Paris. With a remarkable combination of power, finesse, and maturity, Andreeva represents not just the future of women’s tennis, but a compelling figure in its current narrative.
King’s prophesy of Andreeva’s rise could soon come to fruition as she continues to motivate aspiring players around the globe. This narrative of younger players rising through the ranks echoes a longstanding trend in tennis, where fresh talents consistently redefine the sport, and Andreeva stands at the forefront of this exciting evolution.