"It’s strange": Andy Roddick reveals Mirra Andreeva reminds him of two former world number one players

Former world number one Andy Roddick has stated that Russia’s young tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva reminds him of two former Grand Slam winners. The 17-year-old, who is already regarded as the one for the future, has recently produced some stunning performances.

In February, she lifted the WTA 500 title in Dubai after beating Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-1. A few weeks later, the youngster won the WTA 1000 title at the Indian Wells after beating the reigning world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

While doing so, she achieved a lot of small milestones on her way. She became the third-youngest player to win the women’s singles title at the Indian Wells. She also becomes the second-youngest player to win a WTA 1000 event or a Grand Slam by beating the world number one and two in the semifinal and final. Before getting the better of Sabalenka in the final, Andreeva defeated reigning world number two Iga Swiatek in the semifinal with a score of 7-6, 1-6, 6-3.

One-time Grand Slam winner Roddick has been recently quoted in a report by The Tennis Gazette where he stated that Andreeva reminds him of the former world number ones Martina Hingis and Kim Clijsters.

“It’s weird, when she hits winners it looks like people are stunned,” he said. “It doesn’t look like she hits it harder than anyone else, it’s almost like she picks the right trajectory and shot. Kind of knocks it down, can play it high. It’s strange. It almost reminds me of – she serves better but the way Hingis used to play. She would play against your movement a little bit. It’s like she is a step ahead. It feels like the closest comparison is a combination of you [Clijsters] and Hingis. The way she slides and will hit that chipped forehand from different positions. She is as complete as anyone on tour now.”