WTA Newcomer of the Year, Mirra Andreeva began her first full year on the main tour with a debut win at the Brisbane International defeating fellow high flying Russian star, Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-3 in the first round on Sunday. Next up will be another as she faces Liudmila Samsonova.
Finishing as World No.57 and picking up that accolade, she picked up right where she left off easing through in 75 minutes unbroken throughout. But despite that ease of which she went about her work, she admitted nerves before the tie.
Andreeva d. Diana Shnaider 6-2 6-3 in Brisbane Mirra wins her first match of the new season. In case you forgot, Mirra became the youngest player to reach the 4th round of Wimbledon since Coco Gauff. 16 years old & thriving. Expect big things in 2024.
"Honestly, I was very, very nervous before this match because I know Diana for a long time," Andreeva told WTA Insider. "Erika played with her on a team, so I know her very well. So I was super happy to get the win today."
"I tried to stay low in my legs because the courts really fast compared to Abu Dhabi where I practiced before. So the first few days were not the best for me, but I tried to do my best. Today, I'm really happy with my level."
Given the continued shortness of a tennis season lay-off, Andreeva admitted that she didn't have a lot of time in order to recoup and re-evaluate and hopes for more time off going forward.
This after she played the infamous Battle of the Sexes last minute exhibition in France followed by World Tennis League during her time off and so it has been little rest for the rising star.
"I felt like I didn't have enough time to prepare for this season, but for me it's okay," Andreeva added. "If I didn't have time to work really hard, I'm not sad. Maybe next time I will try to have a longer pre-season, but this time it's okay."
One storyline that also was setup in her debut year was idolising Andy Murray saying he had a 'beautiful face' and that she was nervous to meet him which still appears to be the case, but there has been strides on that.
"He said hi to me first a couple of days ago and asked me how I am doing," Andreeva said. "If I will not be shy I will ask him for a photo."
