Key Takeaways
- Andy Roddick defended Mirra Andreeva on his Served podcast, rejecting criticism that her emotional displays hinder her competitiveness.
- Andreeva captured the 2026 Roland Garros crown, won titles in Adelaide and Linz, and qualified for the WTA Finals after reaching world number three.
- Roddick believes Andreeva possesses the versatility and mentality to reach world number one in the future.
Former world number one supports Russian teenager amid scrutiny
Andy Roddick has defended Mirra Andreeva following backlash regarding her emotional conduct during matches, insisting that such moments should not overshadow her on-court success. The former American world number one stated on his Served podcast that complaints about her temper undermining her competitive spirit are completely misguided.
Addressing the argument that emotional displays weaken her focus, Roddick said, “That’s horseshit.” He emphasized that Andreeva consistently travels across the globe and produces victories, rejecting the idea that occasional frustration diminishes her competitive drive.
Tactical variety and breakthrough achievements
Andreeva produced a stellar 2026 campaign, highlighted by her championship run at Roland Garros alongside titles in Adelaide and Linz. After reaching her fifth final of the year at the China Open, where she finished as runner-up to Zheng Qinwen, the 19-year-old rose to world number three and confirmed her place at the WTA Finals. She subsequently skipped the Wuhan Open to focus on the year-end tournament.
Roddick praised the variety and adaptability in her tennis, explaining that Andreeva can alter the spin on the ball and attack the net. He noted that having already secured a major title removes significant pressure, calling it liberating for her future development.
Long-term potential and ranking outlook
Looking ahead, Roddick expressed confidence that Andreeva has the capability to reach world number one, suggesting that even a disappointing season would likely still see her finish around eighth in the world rankings. He also highlighted her grit, noting that she repeatedly reaches deep tournament rounds even during weeks when she is not performing at her absolute best.
Andreeva faces a difficult path to the top ranking before 2026 concludes, sitting roughly 1,200 points behind Elena Rybakina in the Race to the WTA Finals. While finishing the year at number one remains mathematically possible if she runs undefeated through the season finale, her greater opening may come at the 2027 Australian Open. Both Rybakina and runner-up Aryna Sabalenka will be defending extensive ranking points in Melbourne, whereas Andreeva made the fourth round in 2026, offering substantial room to gain ground.
Mirra Andreeva in 2026
Ranked world no.3 (career-high), the Russian played her last match on the 11th of October when she lost to world no.23 Qinwen Zheng 7-5 6-4 in the final in Beijing (draw).
At the moment, during this season Mirra achieved an overall 50-16 win-loss record. Andreeva clinched 3 titles in 2026 in Adelaide, Linz and French Open.
