Free Step Dodge

Is it Because shes new ?

Is it because The people using her are just damn good players ?

Or is she Genuinely good at opening people up ?

She's just good, her tools are some of the best in the game, her lows and options included

Because... Buttons.

She's an old fogey who drinks the blood of virgins to stay young. And not many can comprehend how (I can't believe I'm saying this) pretty she actually is.

Speed + odd gimmcky strings

After getting within certain range, many of her buttons can threaten the opponent. She does well when it comes to footsies and inflicting CH stuns. Another thing is her mobility CONT.

Mai is also good at forcing a lot of whiffs and then taking advantage of the opponents bad situation (many characters can do this to varying degrees). Quite a few of her moves (and special move follow ups), are delayable as well.