At just 19, Russian tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva is one of the sport’s brightest young stars—known for her fierce groundstrokes, intelligent play, and, admittedly, her fiery temper. But now, after years of headline-grabbing outbursts, Andreeva is opening up about her emotional journey and why she’s confident that her days of teenage tantrums are behind her.
Andreeva first made international headlines not only for her precocious talent but also for moments of frustration on the court. At Wimbledon 2023, then just 16, she received back-to-back warnings for smashing her racket and later tossing it on the grass. The moment was emotional. She argued with the umpire, refused a handshake, and stormed off the court—a vivid image of youthful passion that bordered on implosion.
Yet from that very moment, Andreeva displayed something more mature than her actions: self-awareness. “I’m still learning,” she said in the aftermath. “I know I shouldn’t behave like that. I’m trying.” It was a rare glimpse into the mind of a teenager caught in the whirlwind of professional sports.
In the months since, Andreeva has committed to growth—not just in her game but in her mindset. She has turned to self-reflection, working nightly to analyze her behavior, her triggers, and her emotional responses during matches. “Every evening I try to think about what I did well and what I could’ve done better,” she recently shared. “That’s how I start to understand myself.”
Inspired by none other than Roger Federer—who famously struggled with his own temper as a junior—Andreeva finds comfort in knowing that even the greatest had to learn control. “If Federer could change, I can too,” she has said with a smile.
Her transformation has also been guided by professionals. Andreeva began working with a sports psychologist in 2024, and the results have already shown. During the 2025 French Open, where she became the youngest player in nearly 30 years to reach consecutive quarterfinals, she kept her cool in high-pressure moments. Facing Daria Kasatkina, she played with poise, managing setbacks with focus rather than frustration.
“Now I try to work with the anger inside,” she explained during a press conference in Dubai. “I don’t show it, but I use it. I stay calm and think about the next point. It’s not easy, but I’m getting better.”
Coach Conchita Martínez has also played a key role, helping Andreeva channel her intensity into purpose. “I can be a pain sometimes,” Andreeva joked, “but I listen. I know this is something I have to improve if I want to stay at the top.”
Andreeva is still young, still learning, and still evolving. But her emotional awareness and willingness to grow set her apart. Where once she was prone to outbursts, now she’s becoming a player who uses her fire to fuel her game—not derail it.
As her star continues to rise, Mirra Andreeva is proving that maturity isn’t just about age—it’s about intent. And with her mindset shifting, her belief is clear: the tantrums won’t define her—her growth will.
