Mirra Andreeva was nearly coached by Martina Hingis after initial comparisons before 17-year-old appointed Conchita Martinez

Tennis icon Martina Hingis could've potentially become the coach of rising 17-year-old star Mirra Andreeva with the Russian who has often been compared to the Swiss legend seeking her out.

Hingis won her first Grand Slam singles title at the age of 16 at the Australian Open and while she won't emulate that feat, Andreeva has won her first WTA title and reached her maiden Grand Slam semi-final.

She was the youngest since Hingis to achieve that feat and the former World No.1 was full of praise for Andreeva saying she loves watching her play. But she couldn't take the job due to her young family.

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Then Conchita Martinez who previously coached a certain Garbine Muguruza before her retirement was appointed in a partnership that has paid dividends. What could've been if Hingis took the role.

“I enjoy watching Mirra Andreeva,” said Hingis. "She was one of those that she made like quarterfinals, semi-finals at various events, like at the French and she did well in Australia, and all of a sudden my name came up.

“It was also funny, because this year she asked me if I would want to coach her. And I’m a big fan of hers, the way she plays.

“Unfortunately I couldn’t take that job because of my daughter going to kindergarten and I’m not able to travel as much.

“But Conchita Martinez is doing a great job with helping her on the way and defining her game and making her a better player – so we’ll see how far she’s going to take it.”

“I like her style, I like her attitude. iThe thing is that even Mirra says about herself, she’s not as maybe aggressive, which I would like to see her do a little bit more, coming in and taking the ball on the rise, and step in and move forward.

“I think in my [view], if she can make that extra step, that will make her a top-10 player, definitely.”

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