The China Mail - 'At my own risk', Andreeva vows to continue doubles despite singles success

"I feel like with playing doubles, I also improve (singles)," Andreeva told her pre-tournament press conference on Friday.

"I kind of know what to do better. I feel myself more comfortable like at the net or, I don't know, with some tricky shots on the court when I play singles.

"So I think that doubles, it helps me a lot. And yeah, of course I have dealt with a little bit difficulties with the schedule, but if I decide to play singles and doubles, then I have to be ready for it."

While the 18-year-old admitted her decision could adversely affect her chances, she stated she won't be changing her mind on the matter anytime soon.

"I kind of play doubles at my own risk, but I love it. So far I'm just gonna play singles and doubles on every big tournament, like 1000s and Slams."

Diana Shnaider will partner her compatriot at the French Open, on the same site where the pair claimed Olympic silver last summer.

Andreeva may count two titles and a Paris 2024 silver medal in her doubles trophy cabinet, but it is the Russian sixth seed's startling rise in the singles rankings since breaking through last season that has turned her into one of the faces of the sport.

She announced herself to the world at Roland Garros last season when, fresh after turning 17, she staged a sparkling run to the last four before falling to eventual runner-up Jasmine Paolini.

Andreeva then justified the hype in February when she became the youngest ever player to win a WTA 1000 level crown with her triumph in Dubai.

A month later she laid down another marker by beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final at Indian Wells to claim her second elite-level trophy.

Now returning to Roland Garros 12 months later, Andreeva said one of the biggest changes was how she is now received by her peers.

"I start to notice that a lot of people call me by my name, not just like 'Hey, how are you'. They say 'Hey, Mirra'. So I feel -- it feels nice," she said with a smile.

"I feel like a lot more players kind of, not recognise me, but they get to know me more, as well. So I also get to kind of meet new people and talk to new people.

"It's just nice to meet new people. And then sometimes maybe I didn't expect from -- I'm not going to say names -- but sometimes I just didn't expect people to come and just kind of have a chitchat with me or just ask how I am and all this stuff."

Andreeva faces Spanish world number 96 Cristina Bucsa in the first round at Roland Garros, where the teenager's name will definitely be on the lips of competitors and fans alike as she seeks to add a major to her burgeoning trophy collection.

S.Wilson--ThChM