Mirra Andreeva: Poised for a Breakthrough? Sam Stosur and Experts Predict a Stellar 2025 for the Rising Star
The 2024 WTA season was largely a two-horse race, dominated by the formidable duo of Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. Their combined dominance saw them capture nine titles, including three Grand Slams and six prestigious WTA 1000 titles. As World No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, they established a significant gap between themselves and the rest of the field. Heading into 2025, the expectation is that they will once again be the primary contenders for major titles, with players like Coco Gauff (World No. 3 and WTA Finals champion), Zheng Qinwen (Olympic gold medalist), and Elena Rybakina (former Wimbledon champion) positioned as their most likely challengers. However, amidst the established stars, a rising force is gathering momentum, attracting the attention of tennis experts and former champions alike: Mirra Andreeva.
Former doubles World No. 1 Sam Stosur has publicly backed Andreeva for a significant breakthrough in 2025. During a recent appearance on The Tennis Podcast, Stosur singled out the young Russian as a player to watch, predicting a surge into the top 10 and a deeper run at a Grand Slam. “I know we have all heard of Mirra Andreeva already, but she hasn’t cracked the top 10 yet,” Stosur acknowledged. “She has gone relatively deep in some Slams, but I think 2025 could be the year we see her take that next step to the next level of a Grand Slam, hit the top 10, and then really solidify herself as one of the top players on the women’s tour.”
This endorsement from a seasoned professional like Stosur carries considerable weight. Stosur’s own experience at the highest levels of the game gives her a keen eye for talent and potential. Her prediction suggests that Andreeva possesses the necessary ingredients to not just compete with the best but to become a consistent force in the upper echelons of women’s tennis.
Andreeva’s 2024 season was undeniably impressive, providing ample evidence to support Stosur’s prediction. The 17-year-old compiled a strong 34-16 match record, a testament to her consistency and competitive spirit. A significant highlight of her season was securing her maiden WTA title at the Iasi Open, a crucial milestone in any young player’s career.
Beyond her on-court results, Andreeva’s strategic decision to add former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martínez to her coaching team proved to be a masterstroke. Martínez’s experience and guidance clearly had a positive impact on Andreeva’s game, helping her reach the final of the Ningbo Open and, more notably, the semi-finals of Roland Garros. This deep run at a Grand Slam tournament further solidified Andreeva’s status as a serious contender and showcased her ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages. Ending the season as World No. 16 is a remarkable achievement for a player of her age and experience.
Tennis expert Todd Woodbridge echoed Stosur’s sentiments, praising Andreeva’s level of play at such a young age. He also identified an area where she can still improve, which will be crucial for her continued development. “I would say physicality, strength,” Woodbridge observed. “But she’s a young teenager, so she will get stronger, and that’s going to give her more weight of shot. The skillset is really there, I think.” Woodbridge’s analysis highlights the balance between Andreeva’s existing talent and her potential for future growth. While her current skillset is clearly impressive, further physical development will undoubtedly enhance her power and overall game.
One of the most compelling aspects of Andreeva’s rise has been her ability to compete with and defeat top-ranked players. Since her debut on the tour in 2023, she has already recorded four victories against top-10 players, including a stunning upset against Aryna Sabalenka (then World No. 2) in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros. This ability to perform under pressure and topple established stars speaks volumes about her mental fortitude and competitive spirit.
Furthermore, Andreeva’s success extends beyond singles competition. She also demonstrated her prowess in doubles, earning a silver medal alongside Diana Shnaider at the Olympic Games, where they lost to the experienced Italian duo of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini. This Olympic medal further highlights Andreeva’s versatility and her ability to perform in different formats of the game.
Looking ahead to 2025, the pieces seem to be falling into place for Andreeva to make a significant leap forward. The combination of her natural talent, her improved physicality, the guidance of a seasoned coach like Conchita Martínez, and her proven ability to compete with the best in the world creates a compelling narrative. While the dominance of Sabalenka and Swiatek is expected to continue, Andreeva has emerged as a serious contender who could disrupt the established order and make a deep run at a Grand Slam. The tennis world will be watching with keen interest to see if she can fulfill the high expectations and solidify her place among the top players on the WTA Tour. Her journey in 2025 will be a fascinating storyline to follow.