In her twenties, Mirra Andreeva has become one of the most promising young players in women’s tennis. She lifted a Grand Slam title at 19 and now ranks fifth in the world, but when it comes to emotional battles, one name stands out — her sister, Erika.
During a recent appearance on the 'Served with Andy Roddick' podcast, Mirra described facing Erika on the professional tennis circuit as a nightmare scenario. Though they share a sport, the emotional weight of competing against someone so close has left a deep mark on the younger Andreeva.
A Sibling Rivalry That Hurts
Mirra said the two matches she and Erika played against each other were the worst days of her life. The first encounter happened in 2024 at the Wuhan Open, and despite sharing a hotel room and breakfast, the tension between them was unavoidable.
Erika won the match, but the real challenge for Mirra wasn’t the loss — it was the overwhelming emotion. She said she was crying before the match due to nerves and pressure. Even a suggestion from her psychologist — to imagine playing a fictional opponent named 'Akira' — failed to help. The day unfolded in silence, amplifying her discomfort.
Their careers have taken divergent roads. Mirra’s rise has been meteoric, but Erika, now 22, has faced a more difficult journey. Once ranked as high as No. 65 in late 2024, Erika has now fallen outside the top 200. Their head-to-head record is at 1-1, with Mirra ending the second meeting when Erika retired early.
Mirra still credits Erika with helping her through junior circuits, providing a path that helped her avoid burnout and transition to the professional scene more smoothly. But when the sisterly support shifts to competition, the emotional stakes rise dramatically.
What’s Next for Mirra?
Mirra is preparing for the Canadian Open as part of the North American hardcourt swing, aiming to build momentum for the US Open later in the year. While she speaks highly of Erika’s contributions to her career, she also makes it clear that facing her in professional matches is a battle she’s yet to conquer emotionally.