Mirra Andreeva still has many years ahead of her on the WTA Tour after winning the Indian Wells title at just 17-years-old.
Andreeva beat Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final, coming from a set down to beat the world number one for only the second time in six meetings.
This has continued on from the teenager’s success at the Dubai Tennis Championships, with Andreeva now at a career-high ranking of world number six.
With Andreeva now being tipped for more success, former British number one Tim Henman has pointed out the things that the Russian star can do to get even better.
Tim Henman pinpoints the shot Mirra Andreeva can still improve
Andreeva was praised for her defensive game against Sabalenka, frustrating the three-time Grand Slam champion after prolonging rallies that seemed all but over.
However, the 17-year-old also had plenty of attacking elements to her game as well, hitting 10 more winners than Sabalenka.
This included six aces, with Henman praising her serve and suggesting that the forehand is where coach Conchita Martinez can improve Andreeva’s game going forward.
“I think it’s so impressive how many of these different elements she is bringing to her game,” Henman said on Sky Sports. “Her backhand I think is one of the best shots in the women’s game. The forehand can still get better. The serve has so much more firepower.
“Then her movement, on a hard court, the way she is able to slide into shots and play slice forehands and backhands, that shows she has enormous feel for the game and when she needs to use the drop shot she adds that in. At 17 it is pretty scary for the rest of the competition.”
Serena Williams’ former coach praises Mirra Andreeva’s mentality
While Henman was focussed on the technical aspects of Andreeva’s game, former coach of Serena Williams and many other top stars, Rick Macci, has praised her mental resilience.
Macci, who believes Andreeva will become number one in the WTA rankings in the future, appeared to highlight her comeback after the disappointment of losing the first set and suggested that’s what could set her apart from rivals.
“The mental strength of Andreeva not to say NIGHT NIGHT and disappear in the desert after tough breaks and lucky shots in set speaks volumes,” Macci said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“This is Everything and more. How you handle frustration anger and failure dictates success and separates Great from Good.”
Andreeva is currently on a 12-match winning streak after winning back-to-back WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and California, and will be attempting to go for the treble at the upcoming Miami Open.
After receiving a bye to the second round as the 11th seed, Andreeva will await the winner of the match between Veronika Kudermetova and Xinyu Wang.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
