“I Never Liked People”, Coco Gauff Talks About Her Frustration Over Unsolicited Advice as She Backs Mirra Andreeva’s Game

The Russian teen Mirra Andreeva is currently making waves in the WTA with her back-to-back 1000 wins. She first gained attention at just 15 during the 2023 Madrid Open. Now, at 17, she has taken down seasoned players like Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Aryna Sabalenka, propelling herself into the spotlight and breaking into the top 10. However, this rapid rise comes with its own set of pressures. This sound family to another young star on the tour, Coco Gauff, who faced headlines like “flop era” during her struggles but has since found her footing. Seeing how Mirra is rising in the ranks similarly, does Gauff have any words of wisdom to share?

Following her first 1000s Masters win at the Dubai Tennis Championship, Mirra cameback in California even stronger. Once again taking down her tough opponents like Elena Rybakina and getting revenge from Sabalenka who beat her twice in Brisbane International and the Australian Open this year. On Sunday, she clinched her second 1000s masters title at the Indian Wells by defeating the Belarusian with a 6-2, 4-6, 3-6 score. Propelling her further up the rankings to No.6!

Seeing her rise, the World No.3 was asked if she had any advice to impart to the rising star. Seeing that Gauff herself had a stellar rise back in 2023, when she won her first grand slam at the age of 19 at the US Open and was a finalist at the 2022 French Open. However, Gauff noted, “She’s doing very well and doesn’t need much advice. When I was in her position, I never liked people giving me advice in public.” And it’s true. While she clinched her first major title, it wasn’t a smooth sailing journey after that.

Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 5, 2024 Russia’s Mirra Andreeva during her quarter final match against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

Coco Gauff faced criticism during her challenging period in 2024, particularly when her results declined after a promising start to the year. Following her title win in Auckland, she went nine months without claiming another singles trophy, which included a 15-event streak without reaching a final. “They just said it to my face,” she recalled about the criticism such as her “flop era” and advice on what she should to do to improve. Yet, Gauff turned that negativity into motivation.

She handled the criticism by showing up in her performance on the court. After bringing Matt Daly on board as her coach, Gauff improved significantly. She won the 2024 China Open and the WTA Finals and helped Team USA clinch the United Cup in early 2025. At just 20 years old, she received praise for her resilience. Even calling out the critics online as “internet coaches” who never coached anyone at her level. Not to mention that Gauff is just 21! She’s still on her journey to the top. “I’m only four years older than her,” Gauff noted about Andreeva. “There’s not much I can tell her that she doesn’t already know. She’s a talented player with a great game all over the court.”

Gauff isn’t alone in this belief! After facing Andreeva in January, Aryna Sabalenka playfully remarked that she would share advice only after retiring: “Right now I’ll just let her do her thing. She’s doing the right things.” Two months later, after being defeated by Andreeva at Indian Wells, Sabalenka reiterated that Mirra has an amazing team supporting her.

While Mirra acknowledges the pressure that comes with success, she also knows “how to manage it” thanks to her mindset.

Mirra Andreeva reveals how she deals with the pressure of competing at the highest level

On March 8, Mirra Andreeva opened up to Clay Tennis about handling fame and pressure at just 17. Fresh off her historic win at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she became the youngest WTA 1000 champion since 2009 by defeating Clara Tauson 7-6(1), 6-1, Andreeva admitted, “There’s a lot of pressure, but I just know how to manage it.” She reflected on her second year on tour, saying, “When I had to defend points, it was a bit difficult because I realized what real pressure is; before, I just played and tried to win a few points. That was the first time I faced that pressure.” She noted that conversations with Conchita Martinez, her family, and friends have helped her learn to handle it better.

Additionally, following Iga Swiatek’s lead in embracing sports psychology, Mirra revealed she’s been working with a psychologist since January’s Australian Open. She said, as per Tennis.com, “I have some new tips. I have some new advices in a way how to work with my anger inside, what to do when I don’t feel great, how to maintain my level when I feel great, how to keep being me.” This propelled the Russian to become the youngest WTA 1000 finalist and champion since the format began in 2009.

Now as the 2025 Indian Wells Champion, who knows what’s in store for this young starlet! Will Mirra carry this momentum into the next tournament of the Sunshine Double in Miami? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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