Mirra Andreeva, watched on by Roger Federer, cruised into the Wimbledon quarter-finals earlier this evening.
The teenage sensation had named the 20-time Grand Slam champion as a dream celebrity to come and watch her match, and she got her wish as he oversaw the comprehensive demolition of Emma Navarro on Centre Court.
There is so much to like about Andreeva, from her remarkable game to her bubbly off-court personality.
However, it was Conchita Martinez, her coach, whom Martina Navratilova sought to praise mid-way through tonight’s match.
Martina Navratilova speaks about Mirra Andreeva’s coach
Speaking live on the BBC earlier this evening, Navratilova was in awe of the Russian, who was tearing Navarro apart in the first set.
A nine-time Wimbledon champion, she knows exactly what it takes to win on this hallowed turf.
So, her comments should hold particular weight, as she spoke glowingly about Andreeva: ‘Well, I’m standing in that she doesn’t really have any weaknesses and that the attitude on top of that.
‘With the champions, or future champions, when they’re here for the first time, they feel like they belong. They’ve already pictured themselves being here. And they don’t feel like they’re imposters. They’re like, okay, I belong here.
‘And you get that feeling with her that she just has that positive attitude. Embraces the competition. And she’s not scared. She goes for it.
‘Then, as far as her game is concerned, she’s a good mover, very much a student of the game. I think with Conchita… stroke of genius. She’s a great coach and she knows exactly what to say to Mirra, when to say it, how much to say it, all of that.
‘And Mirra just is a sponge. She takes it all in and is able to execute what her game plan is.’
Andreeva made a deal with Navratilova earlier in the tournament, and seems to be using the advice she received well.
Mirra Andreeva could be a genuine threat for the Wimbledon title
With the manner in which she completely dispatched Navarro, few can deny Andreeva’s title credentials.
She was absolutely a threat to win the entire competition before tonight’s match, but now more and more people are starting to wake up to that fact.
Just 18 years old, it’s unbelievable just how good the reigning Indian Wells champion already is.
And, with wins over the likes of Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka this year, who many are tipping as the two favourites to win the women’s title, Andreeva must be in the mix.
Navarro is a top player, and yet she was made to look lost against the might of this supreme youngster.
Andreeva is going to be a problem for the WTA for at least the next decade.
