A Pre-Match Ritual Like No Other
Mirra Andreeva has been one of the most talked-about players of the 2026 season, and not always for her tennis. The teenage French Open champion has found herself at the center of media controversies at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, from being called a "diva" by rival Jessica Pegula on a hot mic, to criticism over the designer outfit she wore for the official tournament photo shoot. Through it all, Andreeva seems determined to let her game do the talking.
And that game appears to be in excellent shape. She opened her WTA Finals campaign with a convincing victory over Elina Svitolina, backing up her status as one of the most exciting young players on the women's tour. Speaking on the Tennis Channel, Andreeva offered a fascinating glimpse into how she mentally prepares before stepping on court.
The 2017 Australian Open Final as a Mindset Tool
Andreeva revealed that her pre-match routine involves watching highlights of Roger Federer's legendary five-set victory over Rafael Nadal in the 2017 Australian Open final, one of the most celebrated matches in modern tennis history. She described knowing every single point in the match from repeated viewings, using it as a kind of mental warm-up.
The specific quality she is chasing is Federer's seemingly effortless composure under pressure. "When I look at Roger, I want to feel like it's effortless," she explained, adding that she wants nothing to visibly bother her on court. It is a telling choice for a player who has openly struggled to manage her emotions during tense moments.
She also works with a psychologist as part of her mental preparation. TennisDraw users tracking her deep run will want to factor in just how dialed in Andreeva's mindset appears to be right now.
