Mirra Andreeva Federer-inspired pre-match routine, Digi Mart USA News: Mirra Andreeva revealed that watching Roger Federer’s 2017 Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal helps calm her nerves before matches as she prepares to face Aryna Sabalenka at the 2026 WTA Finals.
Andreeva made a winning start to her 2026 WTA Finals campaign, defeating Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-0 in her opening group-stage match. Although the Russian looked calm on court, she later admitted that she was extremely nervous before and during the contest.
The 19-year-old also revealed a surprising part of her pre-match routine: watching highlights of Federer’s 2017 Australian Open final against Nadal.
After missing out on singles qualification by one place last year, Andreeva was especially happy to finally compete at the season-ending event. She explained that playing her first WTA Finals singles match brought more pressure than she expected.
She remembered losing to Svitolina at the Australian Open earlier in the year, so she knew the match would be difficult.
“No, no. As I said, you cannot imagine the level of nervousness I’ve had today.
The final of Roland Garros was probably at the same level,” Andreeva said.
She said she felt her legs shaking and noticed her serving arm trembling. Despite those feelings, she was pleased that she managed to control her emotions and win the match.
Andreeva also explained that she works with a psychologist and prepares her mind before every match.
“I watch Roger Federer highlights against Rafa Nadal Australian Open final in 2017. I know almost every single point that they’re going to play because I watch it before every single match I go,” she revealed.
She explained that watching Federer helps her feel relaxed and reminds her to play freely without showing that anything is bothering her.
Andreeva was also happy to return to Indian Wells, where she has enjoyed success before. She said she felt more confident playing at the venue because she knew she could perform well on its courts.
Last year, she missed singles qualification by just one place but competed in doubles alongside Diana Shnaider as an alternate. That experience motivated her to collect enough points to qualify this season.
“I really tried to approach every single match like it was the last match of my life in order to really get the points to qualify,” she said.
Andreeva also admitted that her nerves may stay with her throughout her career. However, she recalled Billie Jean King’s famous words: “Pressure is privilege.” The Russian will next face Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday, hoping to continue her strong start at the WTA Finals.
