Tennis Coach Defines Role: It’s All Business

While a strong bond exists between rising tennis star **Mirra Andreeva** and her coach, **Conchita Martinez**, **Martinez** insists their relationship is primarily professional, focused on improving **Andreeva**’s game and guiding her career.

Defining the Coach-Player Dynamic

When asked if she saw herself as more than just a coach to **Andreeva**, **Martinez** firmly stated her role, emphasizing that she is the one making critical decisions to elevate her player’s performance. “I’m her coach – that’s the only way… I’m the one there on the tennis court, changing things and making her improve,” she said.

According to **Martinez**, her responsibilities extend to overseeing **Andreeva**’s entire career, ensuring every aspect contributes to her development as a player. The partnership seems to be yielding impressive results.

Teenage Sensation’s Ascent

**Andreeva**, who was born in Siberia and trained in France, garnered attention at just 15 during the Madrid Open, even catching the eye of **Andy Murray**.

**Martinez** recognized **Andreeva**’s potential immediately when they began working together the previous year. Their collaboration has clearly been fruitful. For example, this year **Andreeva** secured two WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. As a result, she reached a career-high ranking of sixth in the world.

Mutual Respect Fuels Success

Despite their age difference, the dynamic between **Andreeva** and **Martinez** fosters **Andreeva**’s growth. The affection is mutual, as seen in **Andreeva**’s playful teasing of **Martinez** in post-match interviews and even leading a crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to her coach.

**Martinez** values the respect **Andreeva** shows for her work: “The relationship is good, we get along great and she respects my work. For me, that is super important.”

High-Performance Coaching on the Rise

The emphasis on specialized coaching in tennis is increasingly prevalent, with top players often employing teams of experts to refine their skills and strategies. According to the International Tennis Federation, high-performance coaches are now seen as essential for athletes aiming for success at the highest levels (ITF 2023).