"I feel more comfortable": Mirra Andreeva shares reason behind deciding to play doubles at Roland Garros

Russia’s young tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva has made an interesting claim ahead of the French Open. The second Grand Slam of the year started on Sunday, where players from all over the world are participating to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize.

Andreeva, who is already regarded as the one for the future, will enter the competition as one of the pre-tournament favourites after producing some incredible performances in the recent past. Last year, she lost in the semifinal at the Roland Garros after losing to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-1.

Andreeva has made an interesting claim ahead of the tournament opener. The 18-year-old stated that, in her opinion, playing in doubles has also improved her singles game. She stated that by playing in doubles, she is more aware of what to do closer to the net.

“I feel like with playing doubles, I also improve [singles],” said Andreeva while talking to the media. “I kind of know what to do better. I feel more comfortable at the net or, I don’t know, with some tricky shots on the court when I play singles. So I think that doubles, it helps me a lot. And yeah, of course, I have dealt with a little bit of difficulties with the schedule, but if I decide to play singles and doubles, then I have to be ready for it. I kind of play doubles at my own risk, but I love it. So far I’m just gonna play singles and doubles in every big tournament, like the 1000s and Slams.”

Those comments make it clear why Andreeva has decided to feature in both singles and doubles categories in this year’s Roland Garros. She will face Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the opening round of the competition. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two players in professional tennis. In the doubles category, she and her partner Diana Shnaider will face the pair of Hailey Baptiste and Ashlyn Krueger in their first-round fixture.