“Honestly YOU did that”: LeBron James sends heartfelt message to tennis star Mirra Andreeva after her inspiring Indian Wells title win

The Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James has recently sent his warm wishes for the rising tennis star Mirra Andreeva. At just 17 years old, Russian tennis sensation Andreeva has taken the sports world by storm with her stunning victory at the Indian Wells Masters. Defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match. But what fueled her determination on the court? According to Andreeva, it was none other than NBA superstar James.

Following her championship win, Andreeva revealed that she found motivation from one of LeBron 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 shared, via Tennis Channel. “He said that that’s what makes us champions, so I kind of tried to do the same.”
Her words quickly reached James, who responded with a heartfelt message on his Instagram Story. “Mirra CONGRATULATIONS!!!!” James wrote praising her latest achievement. “Happy to have helped but honestly YOU did that! All your hard work, drive, and dedication towards your craft! Keep going!” the King added.

James wasn’t the only sports icon to celebrate Andreeva’s remarkable achievement. Former tennis star and five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova also applauded the young Russian’s historic feat. Sharapova was thrilled to see her breakthrough at such a high level.
“Many congratulations!” Sharapova shared after Andreeva’s come-from-behind victory over Sabalenka. She also shared that the win was “so well deserved.”
Sharapova previously predicted Andreeva’s rise to stardom. In a 2024 interview, she stated that the teenager had the “game and mentality” to make a huge influence in women’s tennis. Andreeva has now proved that prediction right with back-to-back WTA 1000 titles.
Andreeva’s Indian Wells win helped her become the youngest player since Tracy Austin in 1979 to defeat both the World No. 1 and World No. 2 en route to a WTA 1000 title. Additionally, she matched Sharapova’s record of 10 consecutive WTA victories before turning 21.
“I know as I always say, I can be tough -- and today was not the exception,” Andreeva said. “I know I was, as you like to say, 'a little brat’ a little bit in the morning. That’s because I was super nervous, so I’m sorry for that.”
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The Miami Open is just around the corner and Andreeva will look to extend her winning streak and possibly achieve the rare feat of three consecutive WTA 1000 titles— a mark last reached by Iga Swiatek in 2022.