Conchita Martinez, a tennis legend and one of the sport’s most accomplished figures, has spent her career achieving milestones that few others have reached. With a Wimbledon singles title, five Federation Cup victories as a player, and later captaining both Spain’s women’s and men’s national teams, Martinez has seen it all. However, her latest endeavor—coaching 17-year-old rising star Mirra Andreeva—has brought a new dimension to her storied career. Andreeva, a Russian teenager with a generational talent, has taken the tennis world by storm, and Martinez has played a pivotal role in her rapid ascent.
Over the past year, Andreeva has emerged as one of the most exciting players on the WTA Tour. She won her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai, defeating some of the world’s top players, including Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina, en route to victory. Her 10-match winning streak propelled her into the top 10 rankings for the first time, a feat even Coco Gauff didn’t achieve until she was 19. Andreeva’s success is not just about her results; it’s about the way she plays. Her ability to mix power, angles, and drop shots—skills rarely seen in someone so young—has left opponents baffled and fans in awe. Much of this development can be attributed to her partnership with Martinez, who has helped her evolve from a defensive player into a more aggressive, all-court threat.
Martinez and Andreeva’s relationship goes beyond the typical coach-player dynamic. Martinez, now 52, has become both a mentor and a confidante, helping Andreeva navigate the pressures of professional tennis while encouraging her to embrace her creativity on the court. “Conchita is helping me to not be defensive all the time,” Andreeva explained after a recent victory. “When I have a chance to step in and try to be aggressive and go for my shots, it’s working pretty good.” The results are clear: Andreeva is now dictating play more effectively and winning a higher percentage of points behind her serve, even as her return game has slightly dipped. Martinez’s influence has elevated Andreeva’s game, turning her into a more complete and dominant player.
Off the court, the duo shares a playful and supportive relationship. Martinez often jokes with Andreeva, encouraging her to enjoy the game and not get too bogged down by mistakes. “She told me to give myself a break,” Andreeva said, recounting advice Martinez gave her during a practice session. Their chemistry is palpable, and Andreeva has described her trust in Martinez as absolute, even admitting that her coach knows “everything going on in my life.” This bond has created a sense of stability for Andreeva, who has had to grow up quickly in the high-pressure world of professional tennis.
Martinez knows what it’s like to be on the verge of stardom. She burst onto the scene as a teenager herself, reaching the quarterfinals of Roland Garros at 17 and finishing the year as the world’s No. 7 player. She understands the challenges Andreeva faces as she transitions from being a promising young talent to a global superstar. “Tennis forces you to grow up quickly,” Martinez said, “but she still maintains that playfulness in there. I like to joke around and bother her, and she likes to bother me too.” This dynamic has helped Andreeva stay grounded and focused, even as she climbs the rankings and gains international attention.
The future looks bright for Andreeva, and Martinez is determined to help her maintain the work ethic and mindset needed to stay at the top. “It’s not getting there, it’s staying there,” Martinez said. “Dealing with the pressure of defending points and staying in a good frame of mind year after year is the real challenge.” For now, Andreeva is savoring her success and the support of her team, including Martinez, who has become a guiding light in her career. As she continues to rise, Andreeva’s creativity, resilience, and partnership with Martinez make her one of the most compelling figures in tennis today. With every victory, every clever shot, and every moment of joy on the court, Andreeva is proving that she has what it takes to be a legend in her own right.
