In an unexpected turn of events, tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva disclosed that fellow WTA player Bianca Andreescu was the first to show her support during her debut tournament in the big leagues. Aged 15 at the time, Andreeva was making her first significant foray into the WTA arena, a journey Andreescu had herself navigated a few years earlier.
Andreeva catapulted to fame in April 2023, when the 15-year-old prodigy seized consecutive ITF titles and subsequently earned a wildcard entry into Madrid’s WTA 1000 tournament. Despite it being her debut at the main level, Andreeva proved her mettle by winning her first three matches. She eventually bowed out in the round-of-16 to Aryna Sabalenka, but not before leaving a lasting impression.
Even before her commendable Madrid run, the Russian sensation was already earmarked as a future star. Known for her talent and potential, Andreeva’s campaign at Caja Magica further solidified her reputation as she clinched notable victories over Leylah Fernandez, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Magda Linette.
In a startling revelation, Andreeva shared that it was the 2019 US Open champion Andreescu who first reached out to her during the Madrid tournament. The 17-year-old recalled, “Bianca Andreescu was the first and the only female player to text me in Madrid. She was the first one and I think she was the only female tennis player that texted me.”
Andreescu’s message wasn’t just a casual check-in. The Canadian offered advice, support, and a listening ear to the young Russian. According to Andreeva, Andreescu was “super nice” and even followed up after the tournament with congratulatory words.
Fast forward two years, and Andreeva stands tall as a two-time WTA 1000 champion and the world’s sixth-ranked player, all before turning 18.
Andreescu’s early support of Andreeva, while unexpected to some, makes sense given her own journey. The 24-year-old Canadian was once in Andreeva’s shoes, considered one of the most promising players on the circuit. In 2019, Andreescu herself clinched two WTA 1000 titles and a Grand Slam.
The news of Andreescu’s support for Andreeva serves as a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect among players in the competitive world of professional tennis.