"It's a colossal burden, they might not be able to handle it": Mirra Andreeva might not have what it takes in view of Dinara Safina

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 15:00

Mirra Andreeva has had a poor time of it as of late but has often floundered only in matches that go to three sets including against Victoria Mboko who has managed to have her number as of late.

Mboko defeated her 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-0 to inflict what is another wwin and two in a row after she also won in Doha earlier this season. Andreeva did have the measure of their rivalry though during the Adelaide final at the start of the year.

But now Safina is under the illusion in her mind speaking on Telegram that Andreeva can't handle the pressure of recent form and behaviour. Often lauded as the next person to become a Grand Slam champion, Andreeva has not become that yet and while she has ahd great runs 2025 proved she still has some work to do.

She managed to win multiple titles and reach multiple latter stages at Grand Slams but even then she failed to reach the WTA Finals in singles after poor form at the back end of the year. Safina never managed to ascend the hill herself but is under the impression that it is getting to her.

Andreeva seen as not living up to weight of expectation

Andreeva though managed to break out on the clay a few years ago and so has solace in that fact. The Russian famously as a 15-year-old had some of her best times on the surface and became lauded as the next player to watch but since then it has been a bumpy road with the weight of expectation perhaps too high compared to where she currently is as a player.

“I don’t know what Mirra’s going through right now, of course. I can only guess — she can’t handle the pressure,” said Safina.

“When Anna [Chakvetadze] and I record the podcast, we talk a lot about how players’ desire to quickly reach the top, second, or third rankings in the world, to win a Grand Slam — it’s a colossal burden.

“They might not be able to handle it. You have to be prepared for everything, and when this weight of responsibility hits them, when they start demanding victories and expectations, they immediately say, : ‘What are you demanding of us? What do you expect from us?’

“But that’s part of your job, your profession. It’s normal that you have a certain rating, and advertisers, coaches, people, your fans demand or expect results from you.”

The Mboko-Andreeva 2026 Q1 trilogy:

Adelaide F - Andreeva wins 6-3 6-1
Doha R16 - Mboko wins 6-3 3-6 7-6
Miami R16 - Mboko wins 7-6 4-6 6-0 pic.twitter.com/pztxYlAuRc
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) March 23, 2026

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.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

WTA Miami Open Quarterfinals Round-Up | Coco Gauff survives Bencic test as Muchova holds firm against Mboko

"Getting into the later stages of tournaments but she's getting beaten in pretty one-sided matches": Alexandra Eala has one main issue holding her back