Andy Roddick was one of the first people to say on the record that Mirra Andreeva would do big things in the game but even the American tennis legend is surprised by the Russian's rapid rise and success.
The teenage sensation, who will turn 18 on April 29th, won 12 matches in a row to claim back-to-back WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells and collecting a large chunk of points also helped her break into the top-10 and achieve a career-high ranking of No. 6 in the world.
Being a two-time WTA 1000 champion and the sixth-ranked player at 17 is undoubtedly an astonishing thing to do. And the fact that Andreeva beat each Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina twice and Aryna Sabalenka once across Dubai and Indian Wells makes her triumphs even more impressive.
Roddick: Thought Andreeva would need more time to beat physically dominant players like Sabalenka and Swiatek
I thought that physicality was going to take some time. Its not easy when youre trying to beat people as physically dominant as Sabalenka and Swiatek and youre 17," the 2003 US Open champion told Betway.
"Ive never questioned her tennis, but shes serving now like shes leveled up amazingly well in the last four or five months. Shes able to open up the shoulders on the forehand cross, her movement is already elite and there arent a lot of holes in her game."
After praising Andreeva's physical level and her game, Roddick also specifically highlighted that the 17-year-old's tennis IQ is as good as it gets.
"I dont know that anyone ever really questioned her tennis IQ, which is crazy to say about someone whos 17," the American former world No. 1 added.
Then, Roddick stated that "everything points to her being a Grand Slam contender sooner than later.
Meanwhile, in Miami, Andreeva failed to complete the Sunshine Double after losing to Amanda Anisimova in the third round. However, she still found a way to enjoy success in Miami after reaching the doubles final with fellow compatriot Diana Shnaider.
