The 17-year-old made history on Sunday by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the finals, showcasing remarkable resilience throughout the match.
After her championship win, Andreeva shared in a post-match interview that she had drawn motivation from one of James’ speeches about mental toughness.
“I was listening to the interview of LeBron James, and he was saying that even if you don’t play your 100% and even if you don’t feel like you’re 100% physically, I’m gonna choose to be 100% mentally,” Andreeva said, via Tennis Channel. “He said that that’s what makes us champions, so I kind of tried to do the same.”
Andreeva’s words reached James, who took to Instagram Stóry to congratulate her on the incredible achievement.
“Mirra CONGRATULATIONS!!!!” James wrote. “Happy to have helped but honestly YOU did that! All your hard work, drive, and dedication towards your craft! Keep going!
James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but his influence extends far beyond the court. His commitment to excellence and mental discipline has inspired athletes across various sports, and Andreeva’s story is just the latest example.
The four-time NBA champion remains focused on leading the Lakers through the NBA season. While his primary role is on the basketball court, it’s clear that his impact transcends his sport, inspiring young athletes like Andreeva to strive for greatness.