Russian tennis player, world number seven Mirra Andreeva, shared a disturbing message she received after suffering a defeat when she was just 14 years old.
“I remember one comment; I was 14 back then. I lost in the first round of a tournament after having three match points. Since I didn`t have experience at that time, I went on social media to read the messages people had sent me. I still remember one of them, and I remember how scared I was…”
“A guy wrote that I wouldn`t play tennis, telling me to look over my shoulder because he would find me and cut my hands. I started crying heavily; it was like a panic attack… Back then, I was afraid to leave my room, thinking he would follow me.”
“Now, of course, I don`t read messages anymore. I`m smart enough not to use my phone for a couple of days after losing.”
Andreeva also discussed how she was inspired by a performance from American rapper Snoop Dogg.
“A few years ago, I saw Snoop Dogg perform, and he thanked himself. He said then, `Last but not least, I want to thank me.` Then this music started playing. I thought, when I win a tournament, it would be nice to say that. After winning in Dubai, I felt that now was the right time. I slightly changed the words so it wouldn`t sound like I completely copied him. I decided, why not, and everyone liked it, everyone started laughing. I wasn`t saying it seriously, but then I thought: `Why shouldn`t I thank myself?` After all, I work every day, I train, I get tired, I spend half a day on the tennis court. It feels good when I thank myself. Good job, Mirra, we did it,” Andreeva stated during the Tennis Insider Club podcast.
Recall that after her victory at the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai (UAE), Andreeva delivered a speech in which she thanked herself for her performance in the tournament.
