At just 17, Mirra Andreeva is already one of the brightest rising stars in women’s tennis. With a fierce baseline game and a maturity beyond her years, the young Russian has taken the WTA Tour by storm. But what happens when a player on the rise—one still carving out her identity on the court—stops to reflect on the greats that inspire her?
In a recent interview that sent tennis fans buzzing, Andreeva was asked a fun, yet revealing question: If she could “steal” one shot from any player on the ATP Tour, whose would it be?
Her answer was as sharp as her backhand.
“Federer’s forehand. Alcaraz’s drop shot,” she said with a smile. “If I could have those two shots, that would be a dream.”
These may sound like light-hearted wishes, but for those who’ve followed Andreeva’s meteoric rise, her choice says a lot about her ambitions, her tennis IQ, and where she sees herself fitting in among the elite. Let’s break it down—and find out why these two shots in particular could shape the future of Mirra Andreeva’s game.
🎾 The Power of Federer’s Forehand
When you think of Roger Federer, the first thing that likely comes to mind is his silky smooth movement and that iconic one-handed backhand. But it’s his forehand—the so-called “saber” that sliced through the tour for two decades—that was the real game-changer.
Federer’s forehand wasn’t just about pace. It was about disguise, precision, and the uncanny ability to redirect the ball with elegance and intent. He could flatten it out for a winner or add spin to push opponents deep behind the baseline. It was a shot that set up everything else in his arsenal.
For Andreeva, a player known for her consistent groundstrokes and tactical mind, adding a Federer-style forehand could elevate her attacking game to new heights. She’s already shown she can go toe-to-toe with top-10 players—but with a devastating forehand in her toolbox? That’s a different level.
Why this matters:
Mirra’s forehand is solid—but not yet a weapon. With a Federer-esque version, she could dictate points more aggressively, especially on faster courts like hard and grass. She could take time away from opponents, finish points earlier, and control rallies more authoritatively.
In a tour filled with powerful baseliners, having a signature, world-class forehand might be what separates her from the rest.
🎾 The Artistry of Alcaraz’s Drop Shot
Then there’s Carlos Alcaraz—the Spanish wunderkind who’s wowed the tennis world with his fearless, all-court game. If Federer’s forehand was a sword, Alcaraz’s drop shot is a magician’s wand.
Deft. Deceptive. Devastating.
The drop shot has become a hallmark of Alcaraz’s style. He uses it not just to win points, but to unsettle opponents, disrupt rhythm, and force them into unfamiliar territory. He’ll play a booming rally from the baseline, only to carve out a soft, curling drop shot that leaves even the quickest players lunging in vain.
For Andreeva, the choice is brilliant.
At a time when women’s tennis is seeing a revival in variety—with players like Ons Jabeur using drop shots as strategic weapons—Andreeva recognizing the value of Alcaraz’s touch shows just how complete she wants her game to become.
Why this matters:
Mirra’s natural consistency and court sense make her a perfect candidate to master the drop shot. She already builds points with care—imagine if she could pull the string and drop one short out of nowhere. It would give her another layer of unpredictability, especially on clay where she’s already proven herself dangerous.
A successful drop shot doesn’t just win a point. It plants a seed of doubt in your opponent’s mind. That’s the kind of mental edge champions live for.
🧠 The Thinking Behind the Shots
What’s most striking isn’t just which shots Mirra Andreeva wants—it’s why she wants them.
She didn’t go for the flashiest serve or the biggest backhand. She chose a balanced pair: one from Federer, the ultimate master of controlled aggression, and one from Alcaraz, the fearless innovator of the new generation.
It reflects Andreeva’s identity: an old soul with a modern edge. She respects tradition, but she’s building something entirely new.
This blend of power and touch, aggression and nuance, is exactly what modern tennis rewards. It’s no longer enough to just hit hard—you have to think, to adapt, to outmaneuver. Andreeva isn’t just watching her heroes play. She’s studying them.
🌱 Building Her Own Legacy
Andreeva’s shot selection shows how intentional she is about her growth. At an age when many players are still navigating the junior circuit, she’s competing—and often winning—against the world’s best.
In just the past year, she’s racked up wins over established top-20 players, reached the second week of Grand Slams, and earned praise for her court presence and fighting spirit. But what sets her apart isn’t just talent. It’s her relentless pursuit of refinement.
The fact that she can analyze the games of Federer and Alcaraz and pull specific elements she wants to incorporate tells us that she’s not just reacting—she’s building.
Building a game that’s not just good now, but great for years to come.
📲 Social Buzz: Fans Are Here For It
Unsurprisingly, tennis Twitter went wild when Andreeva’s picks made the rounds.
“Mirra Andreeva has elite taste. Federer’s forehand and Alcaraz’s drop shot? That’s a cheat code combo!” one fan posted.
Another added: “She’s 17 and already has this kind of awareness? The WTA better watch out.”
And perhaps the most heartwarming? “If Federer and Alcaraz had a tennis baby, it would be Mirra.”
These reactions highlight the sense of excitement around Andreeva—not just because of what she’s doing now, but because of what she could become. In an era looking for new superstars to rally behind, she’s delivering not just results, but personality.
🔮 What Comes Next?
With the clay season heating up and Grand Slams on the horizon, the timing of Andreeva’s statement is more than symbolic. She’s learning from the best—and applying that knowledge in real time.
She may not have Federer’s forehand yet, or Alcaraz’s drop shot on-demand, but she’s working on it. Every match, every practice, every rally is part of that evolution.
And if her development so far is any indicator, it’s only a matter of when, not if, she adds those dream shots to her arsenal.
Because Mirra Andreeva doesn’t just want to play.
She wants to master the game.
Takeaway:
Mirra Andreeva’s admiration for Federer and Alcaraz shows her strategic mindset and hunger to grow. By aiming to blend two of the most iconic shots in the modern game—the Federer forehand and the Alcaraz drop shot—she’s not just paying tribute to her idols. She’s crafting a new blueprint for WTA success.
