Ekaterina Alexandrova recently spoke about the significant influence coach Igor Andreev has had on her performance. The world number 20 has enjoyed a successful season, winning the tournament in Linz and reaching the semifinals in Doha, Charleston, and Stuttgart.
“You`ve started this year exceptionally well, currently ranking 11th in points earned since the season began. How much of this progress is linked to being coached by Igor Andreev for the past few months?”
Ekaterina Alexandrova: “There is definitely a connection. Igor has significantly improved my game, particularly my serve, return, and baseline play. Previously, I played quite similarly on all surfaces – hard, grass, and clay – always aiming to hit as powerfully as possible from any position to finish points quickly. Now, I adapt more to each surface and consider the specific situation on court. Igor encourages me to analyze matches more thoroughly, make rational decisions, and understand that every shot should have a purpose. Although, honestly, sometimes I still feel the urge to play more simply, which basically means hitting harder.”
“Until recently, you trained and traveled with your father, who is primarily credited with your development in tennis. Was it difficult to transition?”
Ekaterina Alexandrova: “The idea to bring in Igor came from my father. Initially, it was challenging. The very start of the season wasn`t easy for me. But after the Australian Open, I managed to find the right working rhythm, and I`ve maintained it since then.”
“Under Andreev`s guidance, the Russian team won the Billie Jean King Cup in 2021, and he later worked successfully with Anastasia Potapova and Diana Shnaider. What do you see as his main strengths as a coach?”
Ekaterina Alexandrova: “Igor delivers necessary information very calmly. Even when things aren`t going exactly as planned, he doesn`t transmit any sense of panic or anxiety. Furthermore, he`s excellent at identifying exactly what specific areas I need to work on. He doesn`t use a one-size-fits-all approach or propose the same tactic for everyone; he employs an individual strategy. He was a strong player himself, especially on clay, and he understands nuances that I personally hadn`t given much thought to.”
Rupert Hartwell 
Adrian Whitmore