Mirra Andreeva has enjoyed a stellar season on the WTA Tour, winning her first two WTA 1000 titles.
The Russian teenager won the biggest title of her career in February when Andreeva beat Clara Tauson to win the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Carrying that momentum forward to Indian Wells, Andreeva took down Aryna Sabalenka in the final to win back-to-back WTA 1000 titles.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Now ranked number six on the WTA Tour, Andreeva has been tipped by many to impress at the year’s second Grand Slam, the French Open.
One coaching legend has now shared his thoughts on Andreeva and explained what she’s done in 2025 that has affected her biggest rivals.
Rick Macci says the emergence of Mirra Andreeva is forcing Aryna Sabalenka to use drop shots
Taking to X, Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci gave his verdict on Andreeva and the effect she’s had on the world number one.
Many players on the WTA TOUR adding subtle pieces to there game because of the MIRRA EFFECT. They see the new kid on the Block and have taken Stock. But I see a few players like Sabalenka bailing out with the drop or chip when the bread and butter is to Rip. @SabalenkaA
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) May 23, 2025
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“Many players on the WTA Tour are adding subtle pieces to their game because of the Mirra [Andreeva] effect,” said Macci.
“They see the new kid on the block and have taken stock.
“But I see a few players like [Aryna] Sabalenka bailing out with the drop or chip when the bread and butter is to rip.”
Andreeva and Sabalenka have faced off six times in total, with the Belarusian leading their head-to-head, 4-2.
Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva’s head-to-head record
The Russian did, however, secure victory at last year’s French Open, when Andreeva took down Sabalenka to advance to the last four.
Only time will tell if we’ll see a rematch at this year’s tournament, but it’ll certainly be something to look out for.
Mirra Andreeva and Aryna Sabalenka’s 2025 French Open draws
The pair have been drawn on opposite sides of the Roland Garros bracket, as they look to make their presence felt in the French capital.
Andreeva, entering the event as the number six seed, will likely be pleased with her projected route through to the final, as a second consecutive semi-final appearance doesn’t seem all that unlikely.
Mirra Andreeva’s French Open draw
- F – Aryna Sabalenka
- SF – Coco Gauff
- QF – Jessica Pegula
- 4R – Paula Badosa
- 3R – Yulia Putintseva
- 2R – Ashlyn Krueger
- 1R – Cristina Bucsa
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Andreeva’s first real test would come in the fourth round against Paula Badosa, although it would be a bold assumption to suggest the Spaniard will get that far, considering her recent injury struggles.
Badosa has won just one match since March (via walkover), and last qualified for the fourth round in Paris in 2021.
A quarterfinal clash with Jessica Pegula could then be on the cards, who herself has struggled for form on clay.
Pegula won the Charleston Open to kick off her clay-court season in perfect fashion, but has a 3-4 record on the surface since.
Coco Gauff may then stand between Andreeva and a maiden Grand Slam final appearance, potentially against the world number one.
Aryna Sabalenka’s French Open draw
- F – Coco Gauff/Mirra Andreeva
- SF – Iga Swiatek
- QF – Qinwen Zheng
- 4R – Amanda Anisimova
- 3R – Danielle Collins
- 2R – Jil Teichmann
- 1R – Kamilla Rakhimova
Sabalenka will be confident of advancing past the likes of Danielle Collins and Amanda Anisimova to set up a potential quarterfinal clash with Qinwen Zheng.
Zheng beat Sabalenka at the Italian Open recently, scoring her first career win over the world number one.
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
The Belarusian will no doubt look to her six previous wins over Zheng for confidence, in a bid to set up an enticing semi-final match with her biggest rival, Iga Swiatek.
Swiatek will travel to Paris as the three-time defending champion, but has been far from her best in 2025, and has yet to win a title this season.
However, looking at their head-to-head record, you’d be brave to bet against Swiatek securing a ninth win against Sabalenka should they face off for a place in the final.
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka’s head-to-head record
Both Sabalenka and Andreeva will no doubt have ambitions of going all the way in Paris, but will first focus on their first round matches.
Sabalenka will begin her campaign against Kamilla Rakhimova on Sunday, May 25, before Andreeva faces off against Cristina Bucsa on Monday, May 26.