At just 17, Mirra Andreeva is already turning heads on the WTA tour, and now she’s got her sights set on one of the most coveted prizes in tennis: the winner’s trophy at the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart—and the sleek Porsche that comes with it. The Russian prodigy, ranked No. 7 in the world, arrived at the WTA 500 event brimming with confidence after a stellar start to the season. Yet, there’s a charming twist to her ambition—she doesn’t even have a driver’s license. “The view on the centre court is super nice. I already thought about which cars I would like to get,” she said with a playful smile, her eyes sparkling at the sight of the Papaya Metallic Porsche Macan Turbo displayed courtside. “But we’re not there yet. I’m just looking around. I still don’t have my driver’s license. Yeah, we’re going to see.”
The Stuttgart Open, held from April 14 to 20, is no ordinary tournament. Beyond the €142,610 prize money and 500 ranking points, the champion drives away in a brand-new Porsche, a tradition that’s become a hallmark of the event. Last year, Elena Rybakina claimed the title and the car, though she, too, couldn’t drive it at the time. Andreeva, undeterred by her lack of a license, is dreaming big. Her 2025 season has been a breakout, with titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, making her the youngest player to win consecutive WTA 1000 events since Martina Hingis in 1997. Her 20-4 record and victories over top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have cemented her as a favorite, even on the unfamiliar indoor clay of Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena.
Andreeva’s journey in Stuttgart began with an emotional challenge: a first-round clash against her older sister, Erika, a lucky loser who stepped in after Marta Kostyuk’s injury withdrawal. “We’re going to take it professionally because we don’t have any other choice,” Andreeva said, her tone resolute despite their sibling rivalry. Erika, ranked No. 97, holds a 1-0 head-to-head edge, having beaten Mirra in Wuhan last year. Yet, Mirra’s recent form—13 wins in her last 14 matches—makes her the heavy favorite. “So far everything is good. I love the tournament. I love the courts,” she added, embracing the fast red clay that suits her aggressive baseline game.
The Stuttgart field is stacked with stars like Sabalenka, Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula, but Andreeva’s fearless approach sets her apart. Her semifinal run at last year’s French Open proved she can thrive on clay, and her debut here carries an air of destiny. The Porsche prize adds extra motivation, even if she’d need someone else to drive it for now. Past winners like Rybakina and Karolina Pliskova faced the same dilemma—Pliskova famously let her husband take the wheel after her 2018 win. Andreeva, with her trademark wit, hasn’t decided who’d get that honor. “We’re going to decide if I get to the final,” she quipped, keeping her focus on the matches ahead.
Her path won’t be easy. A potential quarter-final against Pegula, fresh off a Charleston title, looms large. Swiatek, a two-time champion who’s lost just once in Stuttgart, and Sabalenka, a three-time finalist, are also hungry for the crown. Yet, Andreeva’s blend of power, precision, and youthful exuberance makes her a wildcard in this race. “I feel super comfortable playing here and hope I can show a good level of tennis,” she said, her maturity belying her age. Off the court, she’s soaking in the tournament’s vibe, marveling at the cars parked by the arena and savoring her first taste of Stuttgart’s unique charm.
For Andreeva, this week is about more than a trophy or a car—it’s a chance to prove she belongs among the elite. Her rise from junior standout to top-10 star has been meteoric, and Stuttgart could be her next launching pad. Whether she’s eyeing a Porsche she can’t yet drive or battling her sister on the court, Andreeva’s story is one of ambition and heart. As the clay season kicks off, all eyes are on this teenage sensation, ready to chase her dreams—license or not.