In the sun-soaked courts of Miami, 17-year-old tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva has been riding a wave of triumph that’s turning heads across the sports world. Fresh off her stunning victory at the Indian Wells Masters earlier this month, where she toppled world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final, Andreeva added another chapter to her burgeoning legacy with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win over Veronika Kudermetova in the second round of the Miami Open on March 22, 2025. But amidst the flurry of forehands and the roar of the crowd, it was a heartfelt shout-out from an unexpected icon—NBA legend LeBron James—that sent her soaring to new heights of inspiration. Now, as her star continues to rise, Andreeva has shared her charmingly personal “first things first” plan to honor that moment, revealing a glimpse into the mind of a champion still marveling at her own ascent.
The Indian Wells triumph was a defining moment for Andreeva. Down a set against Sabalenka, she summoned a resilience that echoed beyond the tennis court, channeling a mindset she credited to none other than LeBron James. “I was listening to an interview with LeBron, and he said that even if you don’t feel 100% physically, you can choose to be 100% mentally,” she explained after that victory, her voice steady with conviction. “That’s what makes us champions, and I tried to do the same.” Those words, drawn from a past James interview, ignited a spark within her, turning a shaky start into a triumphant finish: 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. The win didn’t just earn her a trophy and a cool $1.1 million—it made her the youngest Indian Wells champion since Serena Williams in 1999 and etched her name alongside legends like Martina Hingis.
LeBron, a four-time NBA MVP whose influence transcends basketball, caught wind of Andreeva’s nod to his wisdom. From his perch in Los Angeles, where he’s nursing a groin injury sidelining him from Lakers action, he took to Instagram with a message that lit up her world. “Mirra, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Happy to have helped but honestly YOU did THAT!! All your hard work, drive and dedication towards your craft! KEEP GOING!” he wrote, punctuating it with his signature hashtag #striveforgreatness. For Andreeva, the gesture was seismic. “I immediately took a screenshot and sent it to everyone,” she admitted with a grin during an on-court interview in Miami, her excitement palpable. “It felt amazing. It means so much to me that he knows I exist.”
But what’s next for a teenager who’s already toppling giants and collecting accolades from global superstars? Andreeva’s first instinct isn’t to bask in the spotlight or chase the next big win—it’s to preserve the moment in a way that’s uniquely hers. “I think I’m gonna frame it,” she declared, her eyes sparkling with the idea. She’s no stranger to this ritual; a tweet from tennis great Andy Murray already holds a cherished spot in a frame, a tangible reminder of her journey. “I’m gonna try to do the same with LeBron’s message,” she added, envisioning it traveling with her to every tournament, a portable piece of motivation. It’s a small but telling act—a blend of youthful wonder and steely determination that defines her meteoric rise.
Andreeva’s Miami performance underscored why she’s become a force to be reckoned with. Facing Kudermetova, a former top-10 player, she unleashed a relentless barrage, dropping just two games in a match that showcased her blistering groundstrokes and uncanny court awareness. “I tried to put as many balls in the court as I could and just defend,” she said post-match, her humility belying the dominance she displayed. The victory stretched her winning streak to 13 matches, a run that includes back-to-back WTA 1000 titles and victories over the world’s top two players, Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. At a career-high ranking of number six, she’s not just knocking on the door of greatness—she’s kicking it wide open.
Yet, for all her on-court ferocity, Andreeva remains refreshingly grounded. Her victory speeches, peppered with self-thanks inspired by Snoop Dogg—“I’d like to thank myself for fighting until the end and never quitting”—reveal a playful confidence that endears her to fans. Against Sabalenba, she likened her scrambling defense to “running like a rabbit,” a nod to the tenacity that’s become her trademark. Now, as she prepares to face Amanda Anisimova in the third round, the question isn’t whether she can keep winning, but how far this blend of talent and tenacity will take her. With LeBron’s words framed by her side, Andreeva’s first priority is clear: keep the inspiration close, and let the victories follow.
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