Seventeen-year-old Russian tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva has been turning heads on the WTA Tour with her remarkable skills and composure on the court. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Novak Djokovic, Andreeva’s balanced game and ability to keep opponents guessing have impressed former tennis star Andy Roddick.
In a recent episode of the “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast, Roddick expressed his admiration for Andreeva’s game, noting similarities between her style and that of a young Djokovic. Roddick highlighted how Andreeva, despite her young age, already possesses a well-rounded skill set that allows her to excel in various aspects of the game.
“Mirra Andreeva is a rockstar, just turned 17,” Roddick remarked. “At 17, it’s like they learn nuance but they open with their massive skillset, Andreeva kind of plays a nuanced game at 17.”
Unlike some other teenage tennis prodigies who often showcased overpowering strengths early in their careers, Andreeva stands out for her versatility and strategic approach to the game. Roddick compared her to the likes of Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Boris Becker, who each possessed distinctive strengths that set them apart at a young age.
“When Serena was 17, it was like overwhelming power, it’s obvious what her superpower is,” Roddick explained. “Rafa, when he was 17, it looked like he could bench-press dump trucks, Boris Becker, oh he has the biggest serve we’ve ever seen.”
In contrast, Andreeva’s game is characterized by its subtlety and precision. Roddick likened her style to Djokovic’s, noting her ability to keep opponents off balance with her tactical shot selection and seamless transitions between offense and defense.
“I’m not saying she’s Novak, I’m saying the way that she wins her points is in a similar fashion to Novak,” Roddick clarified. “She’s a magician at switching directions. She doesn’t let someone get set to hit the same ball twice.”
Andreeva’s early success on the WTA Tour has cemented her status as one of the most promising talents in tennis today. With her poised demeanor and versatile playing style, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport for years to come.
As Andreeva continues to hone her skills and gain experience on the professional circuit, tennis fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how her career unfolds and whether she can indeed emulate the success of her esteemed counterpart, Novak Djokovic.
Maria Andreeva in 2024
Now the world no. (career-high), Maria played her last match on the 1st of January 1970 when she was overcome by Barbara Bonic 6-0 7-6(0) in the qualifications of the Helsinki (draw).
Presently, during this year the Russian has achieved a 0-0 match record.
Maria Andreeva |
| Embed from Getty Images |
