“This is how I overcome moments of balance”

Mirra Andreeva is a revelation of world tennis. At just 19 years old, the Russian already boasts appearances in the upper stages of Grand Slam tournaments, being a semi-finalist at Roland Garros in 2024, and a silver medal in doubles at the Paris Olympics.

Next, at the current edition of Roland Garros, Andreeva will face Sorana Cîrstea, who returned to the quarterfinals of the competition 17 years after her previous participation in this phase.

Before the duel with Sorana, right after victory over Jil Teichmann, 6-3, 6-2the Russian was quizzed on the moments of balance during the games, explaining what tricks she built to overcome mental blocks.

Mirra Andreeva leaves home before Roland Garros quarters: “I'm more prepared for stressful situations”

“I wouldn't say I feel particularly stressed or pressured. I just feel like I'm extremely excited to play here, and being back in the quarterfinals is something very special for me. All I feel is that I really want to win more matches here and I really want to show some quality tennis.

So for now, as I am extremely happy for today's win (no – sunday), I don't feel any pressure. Maybe tomorrow that will change, but for now I'd say I'm just really excited.

I feel like I'm a little more prepared for certain situations on the court that might not go according to plan, either in terms of my game or if the opponent starts playing better or if, I don't know, something happens in the stands.

I feel like I know what to do in those moments. Maybe sometimes it doesn't work out in the best way, but I have the plan in mind and I know what I'm trying to do if something doesn't go according to plan.

So I feel this aspect has improved. Obviously, I also feel that I have become a bit stronger, both physically and mentally, even if the last match was not really the best. But I still feel that I still have a lot to improve, obviously, but now it was better and I feel the difference on the court when I play”, said Andreeva at the press conference.

What is her emergency plan? The young woman did not shy away from revealing:

“Sometimes there are thoughts that pop into your head at some point that you can't really control. Like, I don't know, 'Oh, you've been playing so well, what if this stops?' or “What if you start missing?” or “What if she starts playing better?”.

Then, as I discussed with my psychologist, she he told me to imagine a big “STOP” sign, like the ones on the roadthat red sign that says big «STOP». So I tried to imagine that. Obvious, I also use some breathing techniqueswhich helps a lot, and I'm just trying to shift my focus a little bit.

Then I start singing a song in my head, which also helps change things up a bit. And, yes, I use a few different techniques like that that, most of the time, help me on the field.”

What kind of songs do they hum?

“It pretty much depends on what I'm hearing that day; if I hear something, it just sticks in my mind and that's what I'm going to sing. Sometimes I don't even know the words, but the melody line is still there.

But now all I have in my mind is — I don't know if you saw the game, but right now the only song I have in my head is from the group of people who supported Jil very strongly today, and now the only thing that's playing in my head is, you know, that chorus that they were singing. So that's what I have in mind at the time.”