{"id":125975,"date":"2025-05-23T18:49:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T18:49:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/125975\/"},"modified":"2025-05-23T18:49:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T18:49:09","slug":"mirra-andreeva-said-to-have-forced-aryna-sabalenka-to-make-a-big-change-to-her-game-and-impacted-the-whole-of-the-wta-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/125975\/","title":{"rendered":"Mirra Andreeva said to have forced Aryna Sabalenka to make a big change to her game and impacted the whole of the WTA Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mirra Andreeva has enjoyed a stellar season on the WTA Tour, winning her first two WTA 1000 titles.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Russian teenager won the biggest title of her career in February when Andreeva beat Clara Tauson<\/a> to win the Dubai Tennis Championships.<\/p>\n

Carrying that momentum forward to Indian Wells, Andreeva took down Aryna Sabalenka<\/a> in the final to win back-to-back WTA 1000 titles.<\/p>\n

\"MirraPhoto by Robert Prange\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Now ranked number six on the WTA Tour<\/a>, Andreeva has been tipped by many to impress at the year\u2019s second Grand Slam, the French Open.<\/p>\n

One coaching legend has now shared his thoughts on Andreeva<\/a> and explained what she\u2019s done in 2025 that has affected her biggest rivals.<\/p>\n

Rick Macci says the emergence of Mirra Andreeva is forcing Aryna Sabalenka to use drop shots<\/p>\n

Taking to X, Serena Williams\u2019<\/a> former coach Rick Macci gave his verdict on Andreeva and the effect she\u2019s had on the world number one.<\/p>\n

\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Rick Macci (@RickMacci) May 23, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

\u201cMany players on the WTA Tour are adding subtle pieces to their game because of the Mirra [Andreeva] effect,\u201d said Macci<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey see the new kid on the block and have taken stock.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I see a few players like [Aryna] Sabalenka<\/a> bailing out with the drop or chip when the bread and butter is to rip.\u201d<\/p>\n

Andreeva and Sabalenka have faced off six times in total, with the Belarusian leading their head-to-head, 4-2.<\/p>\n\nMatch<\/strong><\/td>\nWinner<\/strong><\/td>\nLoser<\/strong><\/td>\nScore<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2025 Indian Wells \u2013 F<\/td>\nMirra Andreeva<\/td>\nAryna Sabalenka<\/td>\n2-6, 6-4, 6-3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2025 Australian Open \u2013 4R<\/td>\nAryna Sabalenka<\/td>\nMirra Andreeva<\/td>\n6-1, 6-2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2025 Brisbane International \u2013 SF<\/td>\nAryna Sabalenka<\/td>\nMirra Andreeva<\/td>\n6-3, 6-2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2024 French Open \u2013 QF<\/td>\nMirra Andreeva<\/td>\nAryna Sabalenka<\/td>\n6-7, 6-4, 6-4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2024 Madrid Open \u2013 QF<\/td>\nAryna Sabalenka<\/td>\nMirra Andreeva<\/td>\n6-1, 6-4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2023 Madrid Open \u2013 4R<\/td>\nAryna Sabalenka<\/td>\nMirra Andreeva<\/td>\n6-3, 6-1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva\u2019s head-to-head record<\/p>\n

The Russian did, however, secure victory at last year\u2019s French Open, when Andreeva took down Sabalenka<\/a> to advance to the last four.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Only time will tell if we\u2019ll see a rematch at this year\u2019s tournament, but it\u2019ll certainly be something to look out for.<\/p>\n

Mirra Andreeva and Aryna Sabalenka\u2019s 2025 French Open draws<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t seem all that unlikely.<\/p>\n

Mirra Andreeva\u2019s French Open draw<\/p>\n