Mirra Andreeva may be on the fast track to dominating the tennis world, but this 17-year-old phenom remains grounded in gratitude—especially toward her legendary coach, Conchita Martinez. Despite working together for just a year, Andreeva admits, “It feels like I’ve known her for a long time.” Martinez has already transformed Andreeva’s game, guiding her to incredible milestones: a Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros, her first WTA title in Iași, and most recently, a career-defining WTA 1000 crown in Dubai. And to think, this remarkable partnership all began with a simple hello.

Following her stunning Dubai triumph, where she shocked the tennis world by defeating top players like Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina en route to the title, Andreeva became the youngest player ever to win a WTA 1000 event. After the win, she thanked her coach for helping her get there. It seems this dynamic duo is more than just a coach-player combo; they’re a perfect match. When asked if Martinez helps her off the court as well during a press conference ahead of the Indian Wells Open, Andreeva confessed, “Yes, definitely she does. Of course, it’s super special to have her by my side.” Surprisingly, this partnership wasn’t something Andreeva had anticipated.

Reflecting on their first encounter, she recalled seeing Martinez walking around and smiling at her: “I saw her just walking around here, and, you know, at that time, I didn’t know her. So I just saw one woman always looking at me, you know, smiling, saying hi. I’m like, ‘Okay, who is that? Why is she so friendly? Why is she saying hi?’” It wasn’t until later that Andreeva realized it was Conchita Martinez—a former Wimbledon champion and ex-World No. 2 with 33 singles titles. Not to mention, she previously coached former World No.1s Karolina Pliskova and Garbine Muguruza. So once they began exchanging greetings, the relationship blossomed into a professional partnership.

Their journey started at the 2024 Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole last April. Mirra displayed a strong performance in Rouen taking down Nadia Podoroska in the first round with 6-1, 6-3 in 1 hour and 15 minutes under Martinez’s guidance. “Since the first tournament that we had together, I just felt like I knew her for so long,” Andreeva said. “It just felt super natural to be on the court with her and off the court as well.”

Now approaching one year of their partnership, the duo is gearing up for their first Indian Wells Open together. Last year, Andreeva faced an early exit against Katie Volynets in the first round. This time, with Martinez by her side, could we see her make a deeper run? Only time will tell. For now, Andreeva continues to cherish Martinez’s advice and experience while proving that this partnership is built on trust and mutual growth. And surely, their dynamic and comfort with each other reflects that.

Mirra jokes about swapping skills with legendary coach Conchita Martinez

Once Mirra Andreeva teamed up with Conchita Martinez, her results skyrocketed. The 17-year-old began reaching new heights, including the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open and a stunning semifinal run at Roland Garros, after she upset top player Aryna Sabalenka in the Round of 16. Her breakthrough came with her first WTA title at the Iași Open. Reflecting on her growth as per the WTA website, Andreeva said, “With her, I kind of became closer to fearless.” She shared how Martinez’s influence pushed her to take bold risks, like playing a volley on match point. “I just decided to go for it, and it worked,” she said, recalling a grueling match against Marie Bouzkova.

Andreeva also revealed how their partnership has evolved beyond tennis. When asked if Martinez had learned anything from her young protégé, Andreeva didn’t hold back. “Now she has a better sense of humor with me,” she joked. “Before, I would say it was not so good. It was ok. But now when she’s with me, everyone’s laughing at her jokes—thanks to me!” Their bond is clearly one of mutual growth and admiration, adding a fun and personal dynamic to their professional success.

Now, the duo is gearing up for their first Indian Wells Open together. As the “fifth Grand Slam” on the calendar, it’s a chance for Andreeva to build on last year’s first-round exit and make a deeper run under Martinez’s guidance. Could this be another milestone in their already impressive journey?