Diana Schneider on Andreeva's Dream Come True: 'All of Russia Waited for Mirra to Get a Dog!'

Russian tennis player Diana Schneider spoke about her friendship with Mirra Andreeva and revealed her long-time dream in an interview with Marie Claire magazine.

In 2025, 21-year-old Diana Schneider became the world number eight in doubles and number eleven in singles. At the 2024 Olympic Games, where Diana played in a pair with Mirra, she won a silver medal.

As it turns out, Mirra Andreeva has long dreamed of getting a dog. She shared this with her friend and tennis partner Diana Schneider:

“I remember that at the Olympics we endlessly discussed dog breeds — she was dreaming of a puppy back then. We talked about it so much! I think not just me, but all of Russia waited for Mirra to be given a dog! In November, the dream came true — she got a bernedoodle named Ressi, a cross between a poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Dark brown, a girl. They both look very happy,” says Schneider.

Diana Schneider also talked about how the athletes spend their time off the court.

“In Australia, we went shopping. Mirra and I have a very similar sense of humor, and that makes it even easier,” Diana describes her communication with her friend.

Diana Schneider calls her first match with Mirra nerve-wracking, but notes that emotionally, everything was easy and positive for the partners.

“We immediately felt each other, more or less, and then everything only got better. When we «pulled out» the first match, we gradually relaxed: phew, we made it through one round, fulfilled the minimum program. And then the game took off, we started believing in ourselves. Plus, Mirra and I were such «dark horses» — no one knew what to expect from us at all. And that also played to our advantage,” explains Schneider.

Earlier, NGS24.RU reported that tennis player Mirra Andreeva from Krasnoyarsk earned more than other athletes. Read about how much she increased her income over the year in this article.