In the vibrant heart of Spain’s capital, 17-year-old tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva kicked off her 2025 Madrid Open campaign with a hard-fought victory, but it was her cheeky post-match banter that truly lit up the Caja Magica. The Russian teenager, fresh off a 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Marie Bouzkova in the first round on April 24, 2025, couldn’t resist poking fun at her coach, Conchita Martinez, for failing to share insights about Madrid’s charm. As Andreeva approaches her 18th birthday, her infectious humor and rising star power are proving as captivating as her on-court prowess, setting the stage for an electrifying tournament run.
Andreeva’s win over Bouzkova, a former pupil of Martinez, was a testament to her growing maturity on clay. The match, a gritty 90-minute battle, saw Andreeva navigate two tight sets, leveraging her versatile game—honed under Martinez’s guidance since April 2024—to outlast the Czech veteran. This victory marks her third appearance at the Madrid Open, a tournament she holds dear since her breakout as a 15-year-old wildcard in 2023, when she stunned Leylah Fernandez and Beatriz Haddad Maia. “Madrid is a pretty special place for me, this tournament itself as well,” Andreeva said during her on-court interview, her eyes sparkling with affection for the city. “I’m just always excited to come back and play in front of you guys.”
Yet, it was her playful dig at Martinez that stole the show. When asked if her coach, a Spanish tennis legend and 1994 Wimbledon champion, had shared any recommendations for exploring Madrid, Andreeva’s response was delightfully candid. “Honestly, Conchita didn’t tell me much about the city,” she quipped, pausing for effect before adding, “Maybe she doesn’t know anything, so I’m gonna ask her later.” The crowd erupted in laughter, charmed by the teenager’s wit and the lighthearted dynamic she shares with Martinez, a former world number two who has guided Andreeva to a career-high ranking of number six. “I don’t know anything about Madrid, I’m sorry,” Andreeva admitted, her mock apology only amplifying the moment’s charm.
The exchange underscores the unique bond between Andreeva and Martinez, a partnership that blends rigorous coaching with playful camaraderie. Since teaming up, Martinez has transformed Andreeva’s game, instilling an aggressive edge to complement her natural counterpunching style. The results speak for themselves: Andreeva reached the 2024 French Open semi-finals, becoming the youngest major semi-finalist since Martina Hingis in 1997, and clinched WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells in 2025, defeating top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. “Conchita is helping me to not be defensive all the time, when I have a chance to step in and try to be aggressive,” Andreeva noted earlier this year, crediting Martinez’s tactical insights.
Off the court, their relationship thrives on mutual respect and humor. Andreeva, known for her pranks—like making goofy faces behind Martinez during interviews—has even claimed to have improved her coach’s sense of humor. “Now when she’s with me, everyone’s laughing at her jokes—thanks to me!” she teased at the Australian Open. Martinez, in turn, keeps Andreeva grounded, emphasizing humility and patience. “She has no limits,” Martinez said of her protégé’s potential, but cautioned, “As long as I’m here, I don’t want to see her get a big head; that would be a serious mistake.”
As Andreeva advances to face Poland’s Magdalena Frech in the third round, her focus is on making a birthday gift of her own. With her 18th birthday looming on April 29, she expressed a mix of excitement and trepidation about growing up. “I’m not really looking forward to my 18th birthday, because I don’t want to grow old!” she confessed in a pre-tournament press conference. “I don’t really expect any gifts, because I hope that I will still be playing in Madrid at that time. I will try to make a gift for myself by playing there.” A deep run in Madrid, where she reached the quarter-finals in 2024, would be a fitting present.
Andreeva’s Madrid campaign is more than a personal milestone; it’s a chance to solidify her status as a future Grand Slam contender. With Martinez’s clay-court expertise—forged through four consecutive Rome titles in the 1990s—in her corner, Andreeva is poised to shine. Her playful jab at her coach may have been the headline, but it’s her racquet that’s doing the real talking, promising more thrills in the Spanish capital.