"Every day I try to learn": Mirra Andreeva shares objectives ahead of China Open

Russia’s young sensation Mirra Andreeva has shared difficulties of having to deal with expectations. The 18-year-old is already regarded as the one for the future and has already produced some incredible performances on the court in the recent past.

In 2025, Andreeva won two major titles. She first won the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships after beating Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-1. Just few weeks after, Andreeva defeated the reigning world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the Indian Wells. Despite those victories, The second phase of the 2025 season has not gone as planned where Andreeva has failed to put a substantial run in any major event.

Since that triumph at the Indian Wells, Andreeva has featured in 10 events and has not been able to secure a spot in the semifinal of any competition. Andreeva has been recently quoted in a report by Spanish media outlet Punto de Break where she stated that her focus is to ‘enjoy’ the game. Andreeva also highlighted that winning those titles has only increased pressure on her. Andreeva stated that winning those titles increased expectations from her and it is not possible for her to produce well in every competition.

"I'm trying to focus on enjoying the game more,” said Andreeva. “After winning those titles, I began to feel more pressure and higher expectations. I'm working on being positive, having a good mentality, simply trying to enjoy the game, and doing what I want on the court without overthinking it. After winning those two titles, I felt like people expected me to win every tournament I entered, something we all knew would be impossible. However, I think it was an experience I had to go through. You have to overcome this, take the positives, try to improve, and learn from mistakes. Every day I try to learn and I grow older, maybe a little wiser, maybe a little smarter."

Andreeva’s most recent appearance was at the US Open where she suffered a shocking defeat to America’s Taylor Townsend in the third round in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-2. During that match, Andreeva was struggling with an ankle injury. Talking about that, Andreeva stated that she is feeling much better. Andreeva also expressed optimism that she will not face further ankle problems in the recent of the season."I feel good, my ankle is fine,” said Andreeva. “We did a good job of recovery and strengthening, and I hope it doesn't bother me for the rest of the season. I hope it doesn't bother me at all for the rest of my life, but for now, I feel fine."

Andreeva’s next assignment in the China Open where she will be playing her first match in the round of 64 against China’s Lin Zhu on Saturday. The competition is of greater significance for Andreeva as doing well here will almost guarantee her spot in the WTA Finals. As things stand, Andreeva is currently placed on the seventh position in the WTA rankings with 4254 points. If she manages to go all the way, her points tally would go up to as high 5,189.

Andreeva, during the same interview, shared that she is eager to play in the WTA Finals, which for the second time running, will be organised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Andreeva also stated that playing in the competition will ‘mean a lot to get’ largely because of her young age. "It would mean a lot to me, because I'm only 18 years old, quite young, and qualifying for the WTA Finals and playing against seven other top players would be amazing, it would be a great challenge for me. I'm going to try my best to get there,” she said.