At just 18 years old, Mirra Andreeva has emerged as one of the brightest talents in women’s tennis, captivating fans with her fearless play and precocious maturity at the 2025 French Open. The Russian teenager, ranked No. 23, advanced to the third round at Roland Garros with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Petra Martic on May 29, 2025, showcasing the aggressive baseline game that has drawn comparisons to her idol, Maria Sharapova. Yet, off the court, Andreeva made headlines not for her performance but for her deliberate choice to sidestep controversial topics, particularly when asked about the ongoing doping case involving top seed Jannik Sinner. Her candid refusal to engage—“I don’t want to talk about it because, you know, I’m only 18”—reflects a young athlete prioritizing her craft over the sport’s off-court dramas, a stance that underscores her focus as she navigates a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career.
Andreeva’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. Turning pro in 2022, she reached the 2023 Wimbledon junior final at 16 and made her Grand Slam breakthrough as a qualifier at the 2023 French Open, reaching the third round. In 2024, she stunned the tennis world by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the Roland Garros quarterfinals, becoming the youngest woman to reach the semi-finals in Paris since Martina Hingis in 1997. Now, in 2025, Andreeva is building on that momentum, having reached the Beijing semi-finals and the Madrid fourth round earlier this year. Her win over Martic, where she fired 22 winners and converted three of four break points, showcased her growing confidence on clay. “I’m just trying to play my game and enjoy being out there,” she said post-match, her focus unwavering despite the pressures of her rising profile.
The question about Sinner’s doping case, which saw the Italian cleared after a positive test in March 2024, caught Andreeva off guard during her press conference. Sinner, who went on to win the 2025 Australian Open and reach the Rome final, has faced scrutiny, though the International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted his explanation of unintentional contamination. Andreeva, however, was resolute in avoiding the topic. “I’m not going to talk about that because it’s not my place,” she reiterated, emphasizing her youth and desire to steer clear of controversy. “I’m just here to play tennis.” Her response drew praise from former player Rennae Stubbs, who noted, “She’s wise beyond her years to avoid that mess. Let her focus on her game.”
Andreeva’s reluctance to engage in off-court debates reflects a broader strategy to protect her mental space as she faces the intense scrutiny that comes with being a teenage prodigy. Her 2025 season, which includes a career-high ranking of No. 23 and a WTA 250 title in Bucharest, has been marked by steady progress despite challenges like a second-round loss to Coco Gauff at the Australian Open. “I’m learning every day, and I’m happy to be back at Roland Garros,” she said, referencing her semi-final run in 2024. Her next opponent, No. 12 seed Jasmine Paolini, presents a stern test, with potential clashes against Elena Rybakina or Iga Swiatek looming in later rounds. Yet, Andreeva’s focus remains on the present. “I don’t look too far ahead,” she said. “I just want to keep improving and see where it takes me.”
Her game, characterized by powerful groundstrokes and a fearless attacking style, has been refined under coach Conchita Martinez, a former Wimbledon champion. Martinez has helped Andreeva manage the physical demands of the tour, especially after a wrist issue sidelined her briefly in March. “She’s got all the tools to be a top player,” Martinez noted earlier this year, praising Andreeva’s work ethic. Her ability to dictate points, as seen in her 83% first-serve point win rate against Martic, makes her a threat on any surface, though clay suits her aggressive style less naturally than grass or hard courts.
Andreeva’s journey is also shaped by her admiration for Sharapova, whose five Grand Slam titles and fierce competitiveness she aspires to emulate. “I watched her matches growing up, and I love how she fought for every point,” Andreeva said in 2024. As she navigates Roland Garros, where she trains at the Patrick Mouratoglou Academy, Andreeva is carving her own path, balancing the expectations of a tennis-mad world with her youthful perspective. By sidestepping controversy, she’s sending a clear message: her racquet will do the talking. With a potential deep run in Paris, Andreeva is poised to cement her status as the sport’s next big thing, one match at a time.
# Mirra Andreeva Steers Clear of Controversy at 2025 French Open, Focusing on Tennis at 18
## A Rising Star
Mirra Andreeva, the 18-year-old Russian ranked No. 23, advanced to the third round of the 2025 French Open with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Petra Martic on May 29. Her powerful game has drawn comparisons to Maria Sharapova, but she’s avoiding off-court drama, saying, “I don’t want to talk about it because, you know, I’m only 18.”
## Breakthrough Success
Andreeva’s 2024 Roland Garros semi-final, where she upset Aryna Sabalenka, made her the youngest woman to reach that stage since 1997. In 2025, she’s added a Bucharest title and a Beijing semi-final. “I’m just trying to play my game and enjoy being out there,” she said.
## Avoiding Controversy
Asked about Jannik Sinner’s doping case, Andreeva refused to engage: “I’m not going to talk about that because it’s not my place.” Rennae Stubbs praised her, saying, “She’s wise beyond her years to avoid that mess.” Andreeva added, “I’m just here to play tennis.”
## Tough Road Ahead
Facing Jasmine Paolini next, Andreeva could meet Elena Rybakina or Iga Swiatek later. Her 22 winners against Martic and 83% first-serve points show her form. “I don’t look too far ahead,” she said, focusing on improvement under coach Conchita Martinez.
## Sharapova’s Influence
Inspired by Sharapova, Andreeva said, “I love how she fought for every point.” Training at the Mouratoglou Academy, her aggressive style and mental resilience position her for a deep run, as she aims to let her racquet speak louder than any controversy.
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