A special talent reaping the rewards: Mirra Andreeva delighted after being named Russian Player of the Year

Mirra Andreeva has been named Russian Player of the Year in Russia after the 18-year-old enjoyed a fabulous campaign.

Russia can boast a number of star players who are flourishing in tennis currently. This includes Ekaterina Alexandrova and Diana Shnaider after their progress up the rankings. On the men's side, the standout names of Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev did not have satisfactory seasons, seeing them tumble down the rankings.

None were on the same level as Andreeva who cemented herself as one of the best players on the WTA Circuit at the start of the season. While she was not there to collect the coveted award in Moscow, Artem Derepasko - one of her team members, was on hand to collect it on her behalf. 

Andreeva was delighted with this award. "Thank you very much for choosing me as Tennis Player of the Year," Andreeva said in a statement, via RIA Novosti Sport. "It's a pleasure to receive this award, because a lot of hard work has gone into it. This prize is a huge bonus for me. I would have loved to be there in person, but a very important person will receive the award on my behalf."

The touted talent has emerged as one of the brightest lights in tennis in recent times. She is set to have a glorious future in the sport, showcased in the opening few months of the year with some huge title triumphs.

After a fourth round exit in the Australian Open and early defeat in the Qatar Open, Andreeva showed her immense class on the big stage. She began by winning her maiden WTA 1000 title in the Dubai Tennis Championships. She got the better of the likes of Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina enroute to overcoming Clara Tauson for the biggest title of her career. Just under a month later, she had doubled her tally after backing up her success in the Middle East with glory in the Indian Wells Open. It was deja-vu to an extent as she defeated Tauson, Swiatek and Rybakina on the way to a matchup against world number one Aryna Sabalenka. After going a set down to the Belarusian, she completed a stunning comeback to confirm yet another title.

Her positive form did not stay at the same lofty heights, but consistent quarter-final appearances at the following two Grand Slams as well as the Madrid Open and Rome Open saw her climb to a career-high world number five in a phenomenal start to the season.

However, the form would fall off a cliff through the North American hardcourt swing and Asian swing. At one point she was a shoo-in for a debut campaign in the WTA Finals but these poor results and a rejuvenated Rybakina saw her miss out on qualifying in Riyadh. Nevertheless, this is just a small stain on what has been a glimpse into a bright future for the Russian talent.

Andreeva will come replenished after a spell off the court in the off-season. She will be hoping to start with a bang in Australia and will compete in a ridiculously stacked Brisbane International. The event also features the reigning champion Sabalenka, WTA Finals winner Rybakina, world number four Amanda Anisimova, Australian Open champion Madison Keys and former US Open finalist Jessica Pegula in a very competitive lineup Down Under. The event will be played from January 5-11 ahead of the highly anticipated Australian Open in Melbourne kicking off the major tournaments in 2026. This will be held from January 18 - February 1.