After impressive victories at WTA 1000 events in Dubai and Indian Wells, including defeating the world`s top two players, Mirra Andreeva has arrived at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix with high aspirations.
The tournament offers significant rewards: 500 WTA ranking points, over 142,000 Euros, and the coveted Porsche Macan Turbo, displayed courtside in Stuttgart.
“The view from the center court is fantastic,” Andreeva commented, noting the prize car. “I’ve already considered which car I’d like, but it’s still early. I`m just observing.” She also mentioned she doesn`t yet have a driver`s license.
At 17, Andreeva is a standout among young talents in the WTA Top 100. Approaching her 18th birthday in Madrid, where she first gained attention, Andreeva is among six Top 10 players competing in Stuttgart, facing a challenging path ahead.
Her immediate challenge is a first-round match against an opponent she has never defeated: her sister, Erika.
Erika, ranked No. 97 at age 20, entered the main draw as a lucky loser after Marta Kostyuk withdrew due to injury, creating the sibling matchup.
Mirra acknowledged the possibility of playing Erika in her pre-tournament media session. “I know there’s a chance I could play my sister again,” she stated. “We will handle it professionally. We`ll compete as in any other match. If it happens, it should be an interesting and exciting contest.”
The Andreevas have only played once before on the WTA Tour, where Erika won in Wuhan. Mirra initially led in that match, but Erika ultimately took control.
This dynamic is reminiscent of early matches between Venus and Serena Williams, known for their emotional complexity.
Erika described their previous match as difficult for both, noting the unusual experience of competing against a sibling at a major event.
Despite not practicing together recently, Erika feels familiar with Mirra’s game from their childhood. “We played a lot when we were younger,” Erika recalled. “I anticipate her moves, and she anticipates mine. It changes how you play.”
At the 2024 US Open, the sisters discussed their rivalry, with Erika typically dominating in their younger years due to age difference.
Mirra admitted she has never beaten Erika. “She always used to beat me decisively,” she laughed, remembering their childhood matches.
Now, Mirra is a Top 10 player, and Erika is in the Top 100, both achieving significant milestones. This is their first time competing in Stuttgart.
Mirra attributes her recent success to a better mental balance. “I aim to enjoy every moment on court, have fun, yet stay serious,” she explained. “Finding this balance has helped me a lot recently.”
Both Mirra and Erika will need to find this balance as they face each other across the net in Stuttgart.
