Ex-Serena Williams coach touts Andreeva for top four finish, challenges rivals Swiatek, Sabalenka and Gauff
WTA
Mirra Andreeva will be top four in the world before the end of the year and if not sooner is the belief of former Serena Williams coach, Rick Macci who took to X formerly known as Twitter enthused about her display against Aryna Sabalenka.
Andreeva pulled off an upset by defeating Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 in a thrilling two-hour-29 minute match in the Quarter-Finals of the French Open. The win made her the youngest woman to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since Martina Hingis back in 1997.
She became the youngest player also to defeat either the World No.1 or World No.2 at the French Open since Monica Seles defeated Steffi Graf back in the 1990 final. On her way to the Quarter-Finals, she defeated the likes of Emina Bektas, Victoria Azarenka, Peyton Stearns and Varvara Gracheva.
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The former coach of the American great said that he sees her not only attaining that ranking status but also challenging top players including Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff. He said that she holds great mental fortitude and the skills necessary to achieve greatness. She next faces Jasmine Paolini for a spot in the final and Macci at least believes she has what it takes.
It has been a whirlwind ride for the 17-year-old who last year made a major splash at the Madrid Open and has since made the Last 16 and now better of every Grand Slam tournament. She was crowned newcomer of the year last year and could yet be a Grand Slam champion this week.
"[Mirra] Andreeva will be top 4 by the end of the year if not sooner and right there with Iga [Swiatek], [Aryna] Sabalenka and Coco [Gauff]. Number One 100% in the future and future is sooner than later. She is wired for greatness and mentally a cut above," Macci posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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mandoist14-11-2026 - I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
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