Mirra Andreeva’s coach: How Conchita Martinez helped teen star crack the top 10

Oli Dickson Jefford 15 Mar 2025 12:58 PM

Mirra Andreeva and Conchita Martinez.

Mirra Andreeva has been in headline-making form throughout the past 12 months.

After reaching her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open in 2024, the 17-year-old won her first WTA 1000 title at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February 2025.

Having now cracked the top 1o of the WTA Rankings, Andreeva targets a second WTA 1000 title in Indian Wells this weekend – and potentially Grand Slam glory in the future.

And her exploits are being aided by an iconic coach, in the form of 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez.

New partnership

The partnership between the two is still comparatively new, with the two first trialling their partnership at the Rouen Open back in April 2024..

Speaking at the time, the 17-year-old expressed optimism about the relationship, having been connected to Martinez by her agent.

“I like it, I hope she likes it too. We will see how it will go and then we will decide about our next tournaments,” said Andreeva.

“I cannot say there are special aspects we are working on. But the first thing we worked on was my slice, because she was a good slicer. So she told me some tricks, and I’m trying to use it when I have time and a good possibility on court.”

Recent rise

Andreeva was already making waves before pairing up with Martinez, but the Spaniard’s presence in her coaching box has undoubtedly helped her reach new heights.

Weeks into their partnership, the Russian progressed to the Madrid Open quarter-final, and just over a month later became the youngest major semi-finalist since Martina Hingis in 1997.

Andreeva stunned second seed Aryna Sabalenka on her way to the last four at Roland Garros, sealing a top-20 debut in the process.

Though she struggled at Wimbledon and the US Open, Andreeva won her first WTA title in Iasi and was an Olympic doubles silver medallist alongside Diana Shnaider.

Martinez then guided Andreeva to her second WTA Tour final at the Ningbo Open that October, with Andreeva finishing the year as the world No 16.

The start of 2025 has seen the 17-year-old reach the fourth round of the Australian Open for the second consecutive year before her epic run in Dubai.

Andreeva stunned world No 2 Iga Swiatek in straight sets in the last eight before a thrilling three-set win over sixth seed Elena Rybakina in the last four.

The Russian then eased her way to a 7-6(1), 6-1 triumph over Clara Tauson om the final to win her second WTA singles title, and first at WTA 1000 level.

Now, she faces world No 1 Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final – having again beaten Swiatek in the last four.

“Since the beginning of our work relationship, I already felt like we had a great connection,” said Andreeva in Indian Wells.

“At the first tournament that we went on together was already super great, and I felt very comfortable around her. I think she told me that it was the same for her, so thank God it’s not just me.

“I feel like we’re both very energetic, and I feel like we both know how to be energetic, but when we need to also calm down and take things seriously.

“I completely trust her with everything. I think she knows everything that’s going on in my life. I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but, no, just like this. I’m just super happy to have her by my side.”

Indian Wells News

Iga Swiatek set for rankings blow after Mirra Andreeva ends Indian Wells title defence

WTA Rankings Winners & Losers Indian Wells: Sabalenka’s lead, Andreeva +3, Raducanu -5, Sakkari -22

Coaching credentials

Martinez had a bucketload of coaching experience to bring into this new partnership.

She was the Spanish Fed Cup (now BJK Cup) captain from 2013 to 2017 and was also the Davis Cup captain for her country from 2015 to 2017.

The former world No 2 spent two years coaching Karolina Pliskova in 2018 and 2019 but is perhaps best remembered for her time with compatriot Garbine Muguruza.

Martinez initially stepped in temporarily to coach an out-of-form Muguruza at Wimbledon 2017 – helping the former world No 1 turn her season around with a stunning run to the title.

She later became Muguruza’s full-time coach, guiding her to the Australian Open final in 2020 and then WTA Finals victory in 2021 – being named WTA Coach of the Year that season.