Newly Crowned French Open Champion Mirra Andreeva on Winning Her First Grand Slam and Emulating Roger Federer’s Aura

How would you describe your progress in terms of frustration management over the past few weeks? What are you telling yourself in high-emotion moments?

It’s a combination of things. I try to remember some of the things I talk with my psychologist about—I’m trying to be positive no matter what. I still struggle with that, but in the past week, week and a half, I was able to find a really great mindset, to be able to focus on what I had to do. I try to impersonate all of the great champions on the court when I’m playing, especially Roger [Federer]. The aura is insane.

Is there anything specific about Roger—a match, a moment—that you’re thinking about?

The first thing is just his general behavior on court, but I also know that before, when he was younger, he also struggled with emotions and being positive. I feel like if a person like him, a great champion like him, was able to overcome that… it just makes me feel better about myself in that I’m not the only one that sometimes struggles with these things. If I work hard, I can also get rid of that, like he did.

That’s a very good point about Roger’s earlier days. You also mentioned the benefits of speaking with your psychologist. Did she say anything about this tournament in particular that resonated especially strongly?

I talked to her specifically before my semifinal and final match. I texted her, and we decided to have 30-minute talks, and she asked me, “Why are you nervous?” And I said, “Well, I feel like I’m playing great, but what if I’m not able to keep the same level?” And she just said simply, “You know you’ve played well before, so why all of a sudden would it not be there the next day?” She also always tells me a sentence that I think about: “When you play, you’d rather make a mistake than hesitate.” It helps me play free and go for my shots and be aggressive, rather than just playing tight and putting the ball in the court. It’s like, if I miss, it’s OK.

Since winning, have you received any unexpected texts or DMs from fans?

The first that comes to mind was from the actress Lily Collins! Obviously I watched Emily in Paris, and she sent me a very nice message. This is very special to me, and it really means a lot when people reach out.

This is a more conceptual question, but: What would be your absolute dream matchup in a Slam final. Anyone, from any time, currently playing or not…

I would really love to play against Conchita, my coach. She won Wimbledon in 1994. I’ve obviously watched her play in a lot of videos from the past, but I would really like to experience by myself how she plays, what decisions she makes, and what she does on court. I would really love to see her mindset, because whatever she tells me I’m sure is true, but it’s always still a little different when you actually are out there on the court.