Mirra Andreeva's tactic: "Forget the plan".
Seeing Mirra Andreeva reach her first Grand Slam semi-finals at just 17 years of age doesn't come as a complete surprise. The young Russian has been playing tournaments on the WTA Tour for over a year now, gradually confirming all the hopes placed in her.
In the opinion of all tennis observers, beyond her near-perfect technique, it's at the tactical level that the pupil of Conchita Martinez (French Open finalist in 2000, beaten by Mary Pierce) has something extra. On Court Philippe Chatrier, just after her victory over Aryna Sabalenka, Mats Wilander (Roland-Garros winner in 1982, 1985 and 1988) asked her about her above-average "tennis IQ", and how she developed her precocious tactical skills. He wasn't disappointed with the answer.
Mirra Andreeva: "How do I deal with the tactical aspect? I don't really know. I kind of see the game. I play where I feel like playing, I don't even have a plan (laughs). When I see an open space on the court, I try to play in it. And if I think my opponent is going to run there, I try to play behind his back or something.
Me and my coach (Conchita Martinez), we had a plan today, but I couldn't remember anything at all during the match (laughs). So, yeah, I just try to play the way I feel and that's it.
But of course, I still need Conchita, she's a great support and... Ok, sometimes I can't remember some information (laughs), but having her by my side is a fantastic advantage for me and I'm really happy that she continues to work with me."
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