Mirra Andreeva mentioned that a speech by basketball legend LeBron James motivated her to achieve a comeback victory against world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the BNP Paribas Open final. LeBron James acknowledged her words.
In an interview with Tennis Channel after her victory over Sabalenka with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, Andreeva said that she remembered an old interview with the four-time NBA MVP when she was losing. This is her second victory in six matches against the three-time Grand Slam champion.
Andreeva quoted James: ‘He said that even if you don’t play at your 100%, or don’t feel physically perfect, you should aim to be 100% mentally.’
‘He stated that mental strength is what makes champions. I tried to apply this advice. It didn’t work immediately, but eventually, I managed to overcome the difficulties, started taking risks, and tried to act like a legend,’ Andreeva explained.
On Monday, James reposted a video of the interview on his Instagram story and sent a special message to the 17-year-old player.
‘Mirra, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!’ James wrote. ‘I’m glad if I could help, but you achieved this victory yourself! It’s all your hard work, determination, and dedication to your craft! Keep it up!’ James concluded, adding the hashtag #striveforgreatness.
Besides the four-time NBA champion, rapper Snoop Dogg also inspires Andreeva. After winning her first two WTA 1000 titles, she finished her victory speeches by thanking herself, a phrase made famous by Snoop Dogg when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
‘Again, I want to thank myself for fighting to the end, for believing in myself, and for never giving up,’ Andreeva said in her victory speech.
She also added, praising Sabalenka’s aggressive style of play: ‘Today, I tried to run like a rabbit. It was very difficult to keep up, so I just did my best, and therefore, I want to thank myself because I believe I also played a role in this victory.’
