Mirra Andreeva is two steps closer to making her dream come true in Paris. After defeating world no. 2, Aryna Sabalenka, the Russian tennis pro is now onto her next rival, Jasmine Paolini, in the semifinals at Roland Garros. But who is behind the scenes that helped her make a place in the first Grand Slam semi-final of her career? Well, it’s the former Wimbledon champion, Conchita Martinez, who trains Andreeva! But one question still remains to be answered – did their friendship begin, and where does she live?

The 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva achieved one of her greatest career victories when she defeated Aryna Sabalenka by 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4. After the match, she was found in good spirits as she said, “Me and my coach, we had a plan today, but again, I didn’t remember anything.” However, even without a plan, she excelled on-court with the help of Conchita Martinez, who has remained both a singles and doubles finalist at Roland Garros. During a post-match press conference, Andreeva, who achieved this victory on her home ground, shed light on the growing friendship between her and her coach and how it all began.

During the short clip released by the YouTube channel, Eurosport Tennis, the reporter asked her, “Where do you spend most of your time? Where do you train with Conchi? I mean, how are you figuring this all out?” The Russian tennis pro responded, “I live in South of France, and so far we worked together for not a long time for a couple of months only. Mostly, it was only tournaments. But she came to Cannes for a couple of weeks for us to train together, to get used to each other.”

Adding further, she continued, “But yeah, she once me to come to Spain sometimes. But I am saying no. You will come to France. I will wait for you. Maybe one day I will go to Spain. I like the country. So maybe, but I prefer for her coming to Cannes.” Previously when Andreeva made waves in the Open Capfinances Rouen Metropole in April, she admitted that she started working with the former world no. 2 “two to three weeks ago”. 

Initially, they connected via Andreeva’s agent. But after going through a trial phase of training, they soon found the rhythm. “So far so good. I like it. I hope she likes it too,” she said in April. After two months, Martinez is pushing her to greater heights in France as well. Naturally, whenever Andreeva wins an important match, she doesn’t forget to show her gratitude to her coach. “We have to thank my coach for this. We’ve worked on it together,” she said after her fourth-round victory at Roland Garros. On the other hand, Conchita Martinez is also full of praise for Andreeva.

Mirra Andreeva’s coach reveals how Andreeva has a “complete game”

Martinez, who previously coached Garbina Muguruza, won the title of 2021 WTA coach of the year. However, her current aim is to guide Mirra Andreeva to her first grand slam in France. According to her, world No. 38 is doing a great job when it comes to moving towards her goal.

“I am very impressed by her maturity level. She has a very complete game, but she also has a lot of areas she can improve. That’s what I’m focusing on. I think she’s doing an amazing job,” said Conchita Martinez.

She further added, “It’s very nice to work with her, she is open ears, she is willing to work, willing to do what it takes. I definitely knew she was a young player to watch, she was beating very top players.” As both of them continue their partnership in France, the tennis world waits to see more of Andreeva’s prowess on-court, under the guidance of Martinez.