At Wimbledon 2025, Mirra Andreeva advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Emma Navarro, demonstrating impressive skill despite ongoing concerns about her forehand technique. This issue echoes the struggles faced by Coco Gauff early in her career, who acknowledged her need to improve the forehand execution. Both players, however, have shown resilience and the potential to overcome this technical obstacle, suggesting Andreeva might similarly find success at the All England Club despite irregularities in her stroke.
Expert Insights on Andreeva’s Grass Court Adaptation
Former professional Victoria Duval offered perspective on Andreeva’s forehand issues in a Tennis Channel segment, attributing some of the difficulty to Wimbledon’s grass surface. Duval explained that grass courts pose unique challenges, with unpredictable ball behavior demanding greater adaptability for players like Andreeva, who has more experience on clay and hard courts.
“Grass is a surface that’s not as forgiving as the others, and it’s more unpredictable. So I think for Mirra, there’s a lot more variability in how the ball is going to be received on her forehand side.”
—Victoria Duval, Former professional tennis player
Duval also emphasized that despite these obstacles, Mirra’s youth and determination provide hope for significant improvement, referencing Coco Gauff’s journey as a model for overcoming forehand difficulties:
“…if we look at someone like Coco Gauff, who’s accomplished so much with her forehand and the struggles that she can have on that side as well. Mirra is so tough, and the good news for her she’s only 20? 19? 18 years old. So, she has a lot of time to figure it out.”
—Victoria Duval, Former professional tennis player
The presence of Conchita Martinez, Andreeva’s Wimbledon-winning coach, adds further support to her potential to improve this aspect of her game.
Mirra Andreeva’s Competitive Edge Against Top Opponents
Despite her forehand concerns, Andreeva’s resilience has been evident against high-caliber rivals. Facing Belinda Bencic next, a player ranked world No. 7, Andreeva appears mentally ready to endure the challenge. Duval expressed confidence in Andreeva’s ability to confront such opponents without hesitation.
“I don’t see it as an obstacle for her.”
—Victoria Duval, Former professional tennis player
Andreeva’s 2024 season demonstrated her capability to maintain a strong competitive record despite technical imperfections, reinforcing her status as a formidable contender at this stage of her career.
Guidance from Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova
Beyond contemporary analysis, Andreeva has benefited from advice by Martina Navratilova, one of tennis’s all-time greats with 18 Grand Slam titles. After Andreeva’s first-round victory at Wimbledon against Mayar Sherif, Navratilova spent time coaching the young player, offering specific recommendations aimed at refining her forehand technique on grass.
“Staying low is essential and shorten up the swings a little bit.”
—Martina Navratilova, Tennis legend
This guidance, focusing on lowering the center of gravity and tightening forehand swings, aligns with strategic adjustments to counter low, slicing shots common on grass courts. Andreeva’s receptive attitude toward Navratilova’s advice, combined with her performance in the following rounds, suggests this mentorship has been impactful.
What Lies Ahead for Mirra Andreeva at Wimbledon 2025
As Andreeva prepares for her quarterfinal clash with Belinda Bencic, the question remains whether she can emulate Coco Gauff’s path by transforming her forehand into a weapon rather than a weakness. With expert support from both Victoria Duval and Martina Navratilova, as well as tactical coaching by Conchita Martinez, the 19-year-old has the resources to refine her game and potentially clinch her first Wimbledon title.
This journey not only highlights Andreeva’s dedication and adaptability but also underscores the broader challenge young players face in mastering technically demanding strokes on the sport’s most prestigious stages. If successful, Andreeva’s progress could shift the competitive landscape ahead of the 2025 season and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Coco Gauff have a degree?
A. Gauff often mentions her hometown, especially with her special shoe named “Coco Delray.” Because she travels a lot for tennis, she didn’t attend high school locally. However, she finished her high school education in 2022.
Q. Is Coco Gauff the highest paid tennis player?
A. 1. Coco Gauff (Tennis) made $30.4 million.
2. Eileen Gu (Skiing) earned $22 million.
3. Iga Swiatek (Tennis) received $21.4 million.
Q. Why is Coco Gauff called Coco?
A. My dad, Corey Gauff, mentioned that his nickname was “Co” when he was younger. He decided to name me Coco. I’m not sure which story is accurate, but my parents get upset if I don’t share both stories.