Mirra Andreeva‘s career trajectory changed since Conchita Martinez joined her team ahead of the 2024 Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole last April. Their partnership has gone from strength to strength in the last 12 months or so, propelling Andreeva to a remarkable No. 7 position in the world rankings, highlighted by wins at two prestigious WTA 1000 events in Dubai and Indian Wells. Martinez is clearly translating her wealth of experience into results. Andreeva has herself acknowledged this time and again. But while their seamless teamwork suggests an enduring familiarity, it actually began with an amusing twist!

During a press conference at Indian Wells, Mirra admitted she didn’t exactly know who Conchita was. That’s surprising, given Martinez’s status as the 1994 Wimbledon champion and former World No. 2! But in an interview with Tennis Insider Club on April 27 in Madrid, Mirra clarified what really happened

She said, “Last year, when I was playing here, I was sitting in the restaurant and I saw one woman just walking next to me. I looked at her, and she was smiling and friendly. She said, ‘Hi, how are you?’ and I’m like ‘Hello, I’m good. How are you?’ I didn’t know who it was. And every day she did the same thing, smiling, being so friendly, asking me how I am.”

However, after her mother, Raisa, pointed out that the woman wasn’t just “friendly,” Mirra responded, “but I don’t know who it is.’ “Her mother then said, “Conchita! It’s Conchita Martinez!”

But how did Mirra not know the former Spanish tennis star? She explained, “I didn’t know how she looked. Of course, I knew the name, but I wouldn’t recognize her on the streets. And then after that, we were also looking for the coach, and my agent knows her very well, and that’s how we started well.”

Andreeva hired Martinez last year on the recommendation of her IMG agent. This agent also worked with former world No. 1 Garbine Muguruza, who was coached by Martinez for three years!

Andreeva and Martinez hit it off immediately. Fans see their fun dynamic on tour. They often banter openly. In January, Mirra even confessed to being a “pain in the a**” to Conchita because her mood can change frequently, by her own admission.

In the interview with Tennis Insider, Mirra also revealed that they talk about their first meeting often. “I keep telling her about it. We laugh so hard because she said that I was not very nice because I was not very smiley!” she said.

Now Mirra is all smiles with Conchita. Her wins this season in Dubai and Indian Wells were greeted with warm hugs and forehead kisses by the coach after tough matches against players like Aryna Sabalenka and Clara Tauson. Mirra never misses the chance to credit her coach.

“Thanks to Conchita. She helped me improve, so thanks to her. I know sometimes it’s not easy to work with me. I think she’s doing a good job so far. Sometimes could be better… but she’s ok,” the Russian sensation said.

Clearly, Conchita knows just what Mirra needs to up her game.

Conchita Martinez’s aim is to ensure Mirra Andreeva remains focused

Days after winning back-to-back WTA 1000 tournaments, Mirra Andreeva is living the dream of every 17-year-old. She has been in a celebratory mood, and Conchita Martinez gets it. “It’s all about balance,” Martinez said in an interview. “In the end, I push her to practice, push her to do the right things, and take care of many things so she can be a better player. She’s very receptive, and a fast learner. Outside the tennis court, she’s a happy girl. She sings, and she jokes, and so for me, that’s great. I also like to joke and have fun, so it’s all good. We can work hard, and also have fun.”

The professional tennis calendar doesn’t slow down for anyone, and neither does Mirra. She jetted from the California desert to South Florida for a whirlwind of TV interviews, photoshoots, and media appearances- just part of the gig as a top IMG player. Legends like LeBron James and Maria Sharapova sent her shoutouts. On Instagram, she even posted a practice video shot from her stuffed animal keychain’s point of view, set to No Doubt’s “I’m Just A Girl.”

That playful spirit is exactly what stands out to Martinez. Sure, Mirra is a teen phenom with a “complete” game, but she’s also just a girl from Krasnoyarsk, Russia. She collects fan gifts in her suitcase and is still waiting for her mom to buy her a puppy. Martinez, the 1994 Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2, knows it’s a delicate dance, pushing Mirra to reach her highest potential while keeping her grounded under tennis’ bright spotlight.

Now, Mirra is back in Madrid for the Mutua Madrid Open, and she’s on a roll. The 17-year-old has just made it to the quarterfinals, setting up a showdown with World No. 4 Coco Gauff. Last year, her run was stopped by Aryna Sabalenka at this stage, but with her current momentum, could the Russian oust Gauff and go even further? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!