Mirra Andreeva is becoming an increasingly incomparable phenom competing on the WTA Tour.
As the highest-ranked teenager in the world, Andreeva broke new ground after her triumph in Dubai to become the first 17-year-old in the top 10 since Nicole Vaidisova in 2006.
Now at Indian Wells, the world No.9 is riding a double-digit win streak and eyeing her second consecutive WTA 1000 title.
With a game already brimming with versatility, she is continuously evolving. Her ever-expanding arsenal of strokes has been on full display in Tennis Paradise as she has outclassed Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina on her way to the semifinals.
Speaking from the California desert on The Tennis, former world No.5 Daniela Hantuchova drew parallels between Andreeva’s development to that of Carlos Alcaraz, who made similar waves as a teenager on the ATP Tour just a few years ago.
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“She’s become just like Carlos, a very quick student of the game and almost the full package by now which is crazy at her age,” Hantuchova said.
“She has so many different ways that she can win matches and that’s why she’s so fun to watch. I’m liking her slice backhands now, a few dropshots on the forehand side as well.”
A two-time Indian Wells champion, Hantuchova believes Andreeva has what it takes to conquer the tricky conditions in the desert, much like Alcaraz has for the past three years.
“I’m starting to be a little bit nervous about my pick [to win the title] of Aryna Sabalenka,” Hantuchova admitted.
“I can relate to the feeling when you start to play good in this tournament and you start to feel like ‘why shouldn’t I win this tournament?’ – especially given how well she played in Dubai with similar conditions.”
Multiple junior Grand Slam title winner Luke Saville also highlighted Andreeva’s ability to perform at a high level on all surfaces, something Alcaraz has mastered.
Still over a month from turning 18, Andreeva has already made the fourth round on every surface at Grand Slam level.
“It’s such an all-court game. Great serve, moves well, and for me, that game is suited for all surfaces,” Saville said.
“I think she’s going to be a star in the making and exactly what the game needs.”
The teenager is the last remaining player in the Indian Wells women’s singles draw – alongside Sabalenka, Madison Keys and semifinal opponent Iga Swiatek – not to have won a Grand Slam title.
If Andreeva can pass the test against the best players in the world this week, the clear next step will be to join them as a major champion.
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