Mirra Andreeva was stunned by world number 24 Laura Siegemund on Tuesday, losing to the 37-year-old German star in three sets.
This was the latest upset in what has been a disappointing month for the young Russian star.
At the US Open, she was stunned by unseeded American Taylor Townsend, and later fell to British number two Sonay Kartal in the China Open.
On Tuesday, the Russian was upset again, losing to Siegemund in the Wuhan Open round of 32 – 6-7, 6-3, 6-3.
However, despite the crushing blow, one notable coach has maintained his faith in the 18-year-old.
Rick Macci says he has ‘no doubt’ Mirra Andreeva will become world number one
Rick Macci, who is credited with the early tennis development of Serena and Venus Williams, has weighed in on Mirra Andreeva’s future prospects on the WTA Tour.
The legendary coach, who has also worked with Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick, took to social media to offer his take on Andreeva’s latest loss.
On X [Twitter], Macci said: “Andreeva is SO competitive [and that] is why she blows a fuse and she is only 18 but just hates to lose.
“She is wired for greatness and that temper will become her best friend, and the Russian Rabbit will NO DOUBT be number one in the end.”
Macci certainly believes in the talent Mirra Andreeva possesses, having recently predicted Grand Slam success for the Russian during the 2026 season.
Why shouldn’t Macci believe in Andreeva? After all, the Russian became the youngest winner of a WTA 1000 title in March after winning the Indian Wells title.
Andreeva should not be judged too harshly
What Mirra Andreeva has achieved on the WTA Tour during her career so far has been mightily impressive.
She has reached the status of world number five and has won two WTA 1000 titles in 2025.
Andreeva’s career is still in its infancy, and a run of inconsistent form is to be expected for any player competing at the elite level, whether they are world number one, or world number 100.
Andreeva is undoubtedly the most talented young star on the WTA Tour, and she must be afforded time to grow and develop without being the subject of intense criticism.
