The Secret Behind Mirra Andreeva and Naomi Osaka’s Success: The Power of Journaling
Mirra Andreeva, the 17-year-old tennis sensation, has revealed an interesting aspect of her match preparation—keeping a journal. Before every match, Andreeva writes down key points related to tennis, tactics, and mentality, helping her stay focused and confident. Whether this routine has directly contributed to her recent back-to-back WTA 1000 title wins in Dubai and Indian Wells is debatable, but it has undoubtedly played a role in her mental strength on the court.
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“So when I feel like I need a reminder, like I need to read something that would encourage me,” she explained in an interview with Russian media outlet Tennis BOL’SHE. Interestingly, Naomi Osaka follows a similar practice.
Naomi Osaka’s 2025 Season: A Slow Start, But Signs of Recovery
Osaka’s 2025 season hasn’t been smooth. After a promising start by reaching the ASB Classic final, an abdominal injury forced her to withdraw. She then faced an early exit at the Australian Open (third round) and another disappointing first-round loss at Indian Wells against Camila Osorio. However, at the Miami Open, she appears to be bouncing back.
Osaka began her Miami campaign with a hard-fought comeback victory over Ukraine’s Yulia Starodubtsewa (3-6, 6-4, 6-3). She then dominated Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova (6-2, 6-4) in straight sets in the Round of 64.
What caught fans’ attention during her second-round match was Osaka writing in her notebook with intense focus. Her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, praised her dedication on Instagram, saying, “Proud of your focus and determination throughout the whole match, @naomiosaka.” He also encouraged fans to support her in her third-round match.
The Role of Journaling in Osaka’s Game
Osaka previously confirmed that she started journaling in 2024, revealing that she does it frequently with her coach. She explained that her notes don’t necessarily make sense to others, but they help reinforce her mindset.
“I was basically trying to tell myself no matter what happens to play the way that I want to play in Melbourne and keep trying to go for the shots that I know I will have to make there,” Osaka said about her habit during the ASB Classic quarterfinal.
Her notebook routine was first spotted in her 2024 Australian Open loss to Caroline Garcia and later at the 2024 Italian Open, where she secured her first top-50 clay-court win since 2019. In a post-match interview, she explained:
“For me, it’s just affirmations. I think there’s a lot of power in believing something and also writing it down and seeing it. I hope you guys didn’t zoom in on it. I’m just trying as best as I can, and any little thing that will help me get further, I’ll try my best to master it.”
Andreeva’s Meteoric Rise: A New Force in Women’s Tennis?
Andreeva has been on a 12-match winning streak, with dominant performances in Dubai and Indian Wells. She has defeated top players like Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Clara Tauson. Her Indian Wells title was particularly impressive, as she defeated:
Elina Svitolina
Elena Rybakina
Iga Swiatek (semifinal)
Aryna Sabalenka (final), avenging previous losses
Her victory pushed her to a career-high World No.6 ranking, making her the youngest player inside the Top 6 since Maria Sharapova in 2005.
Tennis Experts Praise Andreeva’s Mental Approach
Former Serena Williams’ coach Rick Macci highlighted how journaling can be a game-changer for young players. He posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Players need to take note of this. Andreeva reading her notes from her journal of fellow competitors on the changeover. Remember, when you write it down, read it, see it, smell it, and touch it, you lock it in your memory bank. And this kid will take it to the bank.”
Can Andreeva Win Three Straight WTA 1000 Titles?
Now, all eyes are on Andreeva as she enters the Miami Open, where she faces Veronika Kudermetova in the first round. This will be their first meeting at the professional level.
With her impressive form, mental strength, and tactical discipline, can Andreeva secure a third consecutive WTA 1000 title? Fans and analysts eagerly await to see if her journaling strategy continues to fuel her success.