Mirra Andreeva took inspiration from Snoop Dogg for her Indian Wells victory speech

Mirra Andreeva made headlines earlier this year at Indian Wells, not only for her impressive victory but also for her unique and entertaining speech, where she humorously thanked herself.

The young tennis star recently revealed the inspiration behind that moment in an interview with Tennis Insider Club. Andreeva shared that several years ago, she had watched Snoop Dogg deliver a memorable speech in which he humorously thanked himself, famously saying, “Last but not least, I want to thank me,” with music playing in the background. The moment stuck with her, and when she won her first major title in Dubai, she saw the opportunity to recreate that iconic gesture with her own twist.

“I changed the words a little bit so it didn’t seem like I copied him completely,” Andreeva said. “I didn’t say it seriously, I just really wanted to say it because Snoop did.” The crowd reacted positively to her playful moment, with many laughing at the unexpected shout-out to herself.

But upon reflecting on the speech, Andreeva, nearly 18, recognized the deeper sentiment behind her words. “Why not thank myself?” she questioned. “I'm the one working every day, practicing, sweating, always tired, and spending half the day on the tennis court. So, I’m going to thank myself.”

Her combination of humor and self-assurance resonated with fans and players alike, demonstrating a level of maturity and self-awareness unusual for someone so young in the competitive world of tennis. While lighthearted, Andreeva’s speech also highlighted the hard work and dedication required to reach such achievements.

As Mirra Andreeva’s career continues to rise, she’s not just becoming known for her tennis skills but also for her fearless personality both on and off the court.