By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, July 7, 2025
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport
Magical mischief maker Mirra Andreeva continues imposing her identity on the Wimbledon field.
In her Centre Court debut, Andreeva unleashed a strong serve and devious drop shot to hit her way into history.
The 18-year-old Andreeva applied her all-court acumen dismissing American Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-3 to become the youngest woman to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 18 years.
It was a comprehensive performance from the Indian Wells champion, who converted six of seven break points against a jittery Navarro.
Andreeva is the youngest woman to reach the Wimbledon last eight since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007—and the first teenager to advance to the quarterfinals since both Victoria Azarenka and Sabine Lisicki in 2009.
Afterward, Andreeva admitted she had a lot on her mind: the pressure of playing for a major quarterfinal, her first appearance on Centre Court—and playing live in front of her tennis hero, Roger Federer, who sat alongside wife Mirka in the Royal Box watching the entire 75-minute match. In fact, Andreeva said she tried to play as if wearing blinders to avoid looking at the Federer family and diminish the prospect of nerves consuming her.
“Honestly, it’s something crazy, I was super nervous before playing first time on Centre Court,” Andreeva said. “I really tried my best not to look over there and just hit the ball.
“At 4-1 I saw Roger and Mirka. Honestly, it means a lot to me that you came and watched my match. it’s been my dream to see you in real life so when I saw both of you I got really really nervous and I’m just happy.
“I just want to say Mirra you look very pretty. I like your outfit.
The victory vaults 2024 Roland Garros semifinalist one win away from the Wimbledon semifinals. To advance, she’ll have to beat Swiss standout Belinda Bencic, who once partnered Federer to the Hopman Cup championship.
Olympic gold-medal champion Bencic beat 18th-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(4), 6-4 to advance to her maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal.
US Open semifinalist Navarro produced a fine run to her second consecutive SW19 quarterfinal, but struggled to produce her best tennis today. A nervous Navarro was sometimes falling off her forehand—and when she did, Andreeva sometimes burned her with deft touch and that beguiling drop shot.
The 10th-seeded Navarro’s departure leaves 13th-seeded Amanda Anisimova as the lone American woman still standing in this singles field.
The 13th-seeded Anisimova will play former French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova tomorrow with a semifinal spot on the line.
In the final few games, Andreeva repeatedly deployed the dropper dragging Navarro into areas of the court she did not want to visit. At one point, Andreeva used the drop shot-lob combination to send the American careening all the way near the back wall.
Andreeva scored her 10th career Top 10 victory, including her sixth Top 10 win of this season.
The teenager shared she did it by playing mind games with herself. After Andreeva converted match point, the Centre Court crowd erupted—only to see the Russian teenager walk back to the baseline preparing to play another point.
Later, Andreeva shared the mental trick she played with herself: repeatedly telling herself she was down break points instead of cruising.
“Honestly, I just kept telling myself I was facing break points,” Andreeva said. “I tried to tell myself I am not the one who is up in the score. I am down.
“I think that helped me to stay focused and in the end I forget the score and I’m happy. I did it because I think I would be three items more nervous on match point.”
Before Andreeva plays Bencic for a final four spot, she plans to moonlight in her second job: Coach.
Andreeva said she’s looking forward to a role reversal coaching her own coach, 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez when the Spaniard takes the court playing Legends Doubles tomorrow.
“Yes, I’m gonna get my revenge finally,” Andreeva joked about coaching Coach Conchita. “I think she starts tomorrow. So I’m already thinking about a poster I will make and hope some people will help me.”
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Four months ago, a then 17-year-old Andreeva delivered a coming-of-age performance, defusing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the BNP Paribas Open final to capture her second consecutive WTA 1000 championship at Indian Wells, one round after she beat No. 2 Iga Swiatek.
Now, Andreeva, who has not surrendered a set in four Wimbledon wins is focused on keeping this roll going.
