At just 17 years old, Mirra Andreeva has already etched her name in the history books. Fresh off her title-winning performance at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday, she sat down with the press, her well-earned trophy beside her, reflecting on the triumph, her journey, and what’s next—both on the court and in the vibrant city of Dubai.

With a beaming smile, Andreeva confessed that this moment had been a long time coming. “I've been dreaming of having a press conference with a trophy by my side, so finally, it happened,” she said. That dream became a reality after she overcame Clara Tauson in a thrilling final, besting the Danish player 7-6, 6-1.

Her mindset heading into the match was clear: fight or fold. “I told myself that I’m a finalist already. If I don’t do anything, I already have a smaller trophy. But if I really want to commit 100 per cent, I have to handle all the nerves and pressure.” That commitment paid off as she powered through a tough first set before dominating the second.

New goals and exploring Dubai

Andreeva's rapid rise has shattered expectations, even her own. Entering the top 10 in February—something no 17-year-old has done since 2007—has forced her to rethink her goals. “Now that I’m here, the next step is breaking into the top 5. I’m very curious if I will be able to achieve it,” she admitted.

While she acknowledges the challenge ahead, she embraces it. The higher the ranking, the tougher the climb, but Andreeva is ready to fight for every step.

After an intense week of high-level tennis, Andreeva hopes to finally see more of Dubai beyond the tennis courts and her hotel room. “Honestly, I’d like to spend at least one more day here, walk around, maybe go somewhere,” she mused. While her travel plans remain uncertain—“I need to check with my dad on the flights”—one thing is clear: she’s eager to take in more of what the city has to offer.

At the top of her must-visit list? The Burj Khalifa. “My sister has been there. My father? Maybe 10 or 15 times. I don’t think he’s going to be too happy about going again. But we’ll see!” she laughed.

Inspired by legends

Andreeva draws inspiration from sporting greats, not just in tennis but beyond. “When I want to motivate or inspire myself, I watch LeBron James, Kobe Bryant,” she shared. However, her ultimate idol remains Roger Federer. “I’ve been watching highlights of him playing the Australian Open 2017 final against Nadal. How can a person play like that? Just look good, play amazing, and then in the end win the slam?” she said. Federer’s ability to stay composed under pressure is something she aspires to emulate as she continues her ascent in the sport.

With a Dubai title in her pocket, a top-10 ranking secured, and an insatiable hunger for improvement, Andreeva is far from done. The teenager who once watched legends from afar is now writing her own story—one that promises many more trophies, milestones, and hopefully, a well-deserved day of sightseeing in Dubai.