Martina Navratilova gives high praise to 'complete player' Mirra Andreeva

The 17-year-old has enjoyed an incredible few weeks as she won her maiden WTA 1000 title at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February, beating Grand Slam winners Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina en route to the title.

Andreeva took her unbeaten run to 12 matches as she followed it up with another dazzling run at the Indian Wells Open as she again beat Swiatek and Rybakina to reach the final.

She has now surged up to a career-high No 6 in the WTA Rankings and many believe it is only a matter of time before she wins her first Grand Slam title.

"She is a complete player, Mirra. I actually compare her to Carlos Alcaraz." Navratilova told wtatennis.com. "She doesn't have the power of some other players, but she hits the ball really well, down the lines â- and defends. That's what reminded me of Alcaraz.

"She turned defence into offence. She had Sabalenka scratching her head â- 'What do I have to do to win the point?' That's how people feel playing him.

"And she's 17? I mean, the way she plays is more like [Justine] Henin. She's got the slice and is really great down the line on both sides.

"Henin attacked the down-the-line return. Moved well, but Mirra has a bigger serve and a bigger game."

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