Andreeva: "Facing my sister is no longer just about tennis, but mainly about mental preparation"

Mirra Andreeva spoke at a press conference in Stuttgart after her victory over her sister Erika, who retired during the match.

Although ranked higher, Mirra had lost to her in October 2024 in Wuhan.

A journalist pointed out that she has already defeated Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, then asked what makes Erika more than just an opponent.

She replied: "It’s no longer just about tennis—I think 75% or 80% is about mental preparation. I don’t focus only on myself or how to beat her.

I’ll wonder if she’s okay, how she’s feeling, or what we’ll do after the match and what will happen. So I pay more attention to her. That makes the match tougher.

In short, focusing only on myself when I play against her is almost impossible."