World number seven, Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva, spoke about a disturbing message she received after 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 any experience at that time, I went on social media to read the messages people sent me. I remember one to this day, I remember how scared I was…”
“A guy wrote that I wouldn`t play tennis, saying I should watch my back because he would find me and cut my hands. I started crying heavily, and something like a panic attack began… Back then, I was afraid to leave my room, thinking he would be following 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 I lose.”
Andreeva also shared how she was inspired by a performance by 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 the music started playing. I thought that when I won a tournament, it would be nice to say something like that. After winning in Dubai, I felt it was the right moment. I changed the words slightly so it didn`t seem like I copied him completely. I decided, why not? And everyone liked it, everyone started laughing. I wasn`t being serious initially, but then I thought: `Why not thank myself?` I work hard every day, I train, I get tired, I spend half the day on the tennis court. It feels good when I thank myself. Good job, Mirra, we did it,” Andreeva said on the Tennis Insider Club podcast.
Recall that after winning the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, UAE, Andreeva gave a speech in which she thanked herself for her performance at the tournament.
Gilbert Pendleton