Rising WTA talent Mirra Andreeva is leaving no stone unturned in 2025. It seems last year’s French Open semifinalist is going to take her stellar form forward this season as well. At just 17, she’s stormed into the top 20, currently sitting at No.16. Her fine run at the Brisbane International is a testament to her sheer brilliance. Even Aryna Sabalenka believes the Russian may leave a lasting impression in the tennis world. But what did the three-time Grand Slam champion say about Andreeva?

For the unversed, Sabalenka and Andreeva have locked horns on several occasions now. But many may famously remember their battle from the Roland Garros QF, back in June 2024. Facing the World No.1, the teenager didn’t show any signs of nerves. On the contrary, she eventually managed to break the Tiger’s 23-match winning streak. After trailing in the first set, she defeated the Belarusian 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 and also became the youngest female player to make it to the semifinal of a Major, in almost 30 years. It was a moment of shock for Sabalenka who witnessed the Russian’s impressive skills.

The two just met once again, during the SF round of Brisbane International on Saturday. This time, however, Sabalenka emerged victorious and beat Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 6-2 in straight sets. However, her win wasn’t without struggles as she had to earn it, thanks to the teenager’s never-give-up attitude. After the match, Sabalenka was asked to give her suggestions, if any, to Andreeva to improve herself going forward. “Mirra is just 17 years old & world #16.. What makes her so special? Is there any advice you can give her?” asked the reporter during a post-match interview. Sabalenka, however, wasn’t intending to advise the World No.16.

“I’ll give my advice to her when I retire” she said playfully. “Right now I’ll just let her do her thing. She’s doing the right things. She has a great team around her, family around her, amazing coach.” added the Tiger. “Couldn’t recommend her anyone better than her (Conchita Martinez). She’s on the right path and definitely the future of tennis. She’s gonna be there very soon.” she concluded.

For the unversed, Andreeva appointed Conchita Martinez, the former Spanish player, as her coach last year. Under her tutelage, she’s been improving with subsequent events. Martinez has been one of the most iconic players of her era. The former World No.2 was the first-ever Spanish woman to win the singles title at Wimbledon. She achieved this milestone back in 1994. Not only this, Martinez also made it to the finals of the 1998 Australian Open and 2000 French Open. Hence, Sabalenka thinks Andreeva’s already in good hands when it comes to taking the best suggestions. But then again, the teenager is still young and sometimes, she ends up giving a tough time to Martinez.

Mirra Andreeva confesses to being a ‘pain in the a**’ in a cheeky admission on her bond with Conchita Martinez

Since having Martinez as her trainer in 2024, Mirra Andreeva hasn’t been an easy player to work with. The inner child always tends to come out which is natural for a player of her age. Well, it seems Martinez is the one who has to suffer a lot, as revealed by the World No.16. But there’s nothing too serious to worry about.

“I would say that I’m still a kid sometimes. I can get angry. If you said something that I didn’t like, I’m like, Okay, well, I’m going to do something that she doesn’t like as well. I try to p*ss her off. She’s like, Oh, my God, what are you doing? We start laughing about it and we forget about all of that. I just can be a little pain in the a** sometimes. But she’s doing good job so far. She’s okay.” she said during a media interaction, earlier this week, during the Brisbane International after reaching the QF round post her victory over Ons Jabeur.

Moreover, she also mentioned how Martinez has helped her gain confidence with every tournament. “Thanks to Conchita. She helped me improve, so thanks to her. I know sometimes it’s not easy to work with me. I think she’s doing a good job so far. Sometimes could be better… but she’s ok,” she added.

Her Brisbane International journey might be over, but Mirra Andreeva will soon return to the court. She’s set to play her first match at the Adelaide International on Monday against Czechia’s Linda Noskova. Do you think the 17-year-old will leave a massive impact in her 2025 season while eventually breaking into the top 10? Let us know in the comments below.