Mirra Andreeva admits her ‘shy’ nature when getting along with top players like Novak Djokovic on the tennis circuit
Mirra Andreeva will face qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva in the fourth round of the Madrid Open.
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Novak Djokovic, Mirra Adnreeva (images via X)
Though Mirra Andreeva is already a two-time WTA 1000 champion, she is still a 17-year-old girl who feels shy when speaking to a tennis legend like Novak Djokovic. The young tennis star admitted that she has a lot to improve before feeling confident enough to speak to the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Andreeva is currently playing in the Madrid Open. She faced Marie Bouzkova in her opening round. Bouzkova saved three match points in her match with Andreeva but eventually lost to the World No. 7 in straight sets. In her next round, Andreeva had to be at her patient best to hold off the challenge of Magdalena Frech and seal the victory 7-5, 6-3 to return to the Madrid Open last 16 for the third year in a row.
When we see each other, we greet, although I am still very shy around him. We have a friendly relationship, and if he wins, I congratulate him if I see him. But I still have a lot to improve before feeling confident enough to speak with him.
Mirra Andreeva told Punto de Break
Andreeva will face qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva in the fourth round of the Madrid Open. The Ukrainian came from 6-2, 3-1 down to overcome No. 18 seed Liudmila Samsonova 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-0 in 2 hours and 32 minutes. Starodubtseva has reached the Round of 16 of a WTA 1000 event for the second time in her career following her quarterfinal run in Beijing last October, where she lost to eventual champion Coco Gauff.
Mirra Andreeva praises Alexandra Eala
Mirra Andreeva also spoke about her time with Alexandra Eala, another rising young talent on the WTA tour. The 19-year-old had a sensational run at the 2025 Miami Open. Entering the tournament as a wildcard, Eala defeated three Grand Slam champions in straight sets before facing defeat to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.
We had a quick conversation in Miami, and here we talked a bit about her playing against Swiatek again. I don’t know if I helped her, but she is a great player. We talked for about five minutes, but it’s great to see players I shared the junior circuit with and are familiar faces to me.
Mirra Andreeva added
In Miami, Eala outplayed Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek. Andreeva has also defeated World No. 2 Swiatek twice this year during her title run at Dubai and Indian Wells. Although Eala gave Swiatek very tough competition in their second meet this year, which took place at the Madrid Open, the Pole managed to take her revenge on her favorite surface.
Novak Djokovic loses his opening round match at the Madrid Open
It’s been a rough ride for Novak Djokovic this season. The Serb has once again been knocked out in the opening round of a tournament, this time in the Madrid Open at the hands of Matteo Arnaldi. Djokovic has now lost in the opening round of a tournament on four occasions in 2025.
After the hamstring injury that caused him to retire at the Australian Open, Djokovic returned to tour with the Qatar Open, where he lost to Matteo Berrettini in the opening round. He then played at the Indian Wells, where he lost the opening round to Botic van de Zandschulp.
He lost to Alejandro Tabilo in the first round at the Monte Carlo Masters. Djokovic is next scheduled to play in the Rome Masters, where World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will also make his return to the tour with the end of his three-month doping suspension.
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