mirra Andreeva, 17, Stuns Sabalenka to Win Indian Wells Title
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Mirra Andreeva, a 17-year-old Russian tennis sensation, pulled off a stunning upset against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to win the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday. Andreeva’s remarkable 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory makes her the youngest champion at Indian Wells since Serena Williams in 1999.
Triumph After Dubai Victory
Andreeva, currently ranked No. 11, has had a stellar season, boasting a tour-leading 19-3 record. This victory marks her second Masters 1000 title of 2025, adding to her triumph in Dubai in February, which propelled her into the top 10 for the first time. She is set to reclaim her spot in the top tier in Monday’s WTA rankings.
Andreeva’s self-belief
Echoing sentiments from her Dubai victory speech, andreeva expressed gratitude to herself for her unwavering determination. “I would again like to thank myself for fighting until the end and for always believing in me and for never quitting,” she told the crowd. She also playfully acknowledged Sabalenka’s powerful shots, stating, “I tried to run like a rabbit today… it was really hard to just keep up, so I just tried my best.”
Turning the Tide After a rocky Start
After losing the first set to Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, Andreeva displayed remarkable composure. Despite an initial show of frustration, she rebounded in the second set, improving her serve and dominating with a 17-7 edge in winners. She clinched the set with an ace, holding at love for the first time in the match.
Dominating the Final Set
Andreeva carried her momentum into the third set, breaking Sabalenka’s serve at love to take an early lead. she sealed the victory with a final forehand winner, collapsing to her knees in elation.
Fifth Consecutive Top 10 Win
This victory marks Andreeva’s fifth consecutive win against a top-10 opponent, improving her record to 9-5 against such players since the beginning of 2024. Her notable run includes two victories each over Sabalenka and world No.2 Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the Indian Wells semifinals.
Past Importance
andreeva’s achievement places her in elite company. She is the first player under 18 to defeat the women ranked No. 1 and No. 2 at the same WTA tournament since Serena williams at the 1999 US Open. She is also the youngest to win a WTA trophy by defeating the No. 1-ranked player in a final since Maria Sharapova in 2005.
Sportsmanship and Humor
Despite her dominant performance, Andreeva displayed humility and humor. She apologized for her pre-match jitters, joking about being a “little brat” due to nerves. Sabalenka, also showed good humor, jesting about her runner-up trophy.
here are two PAA related questions based on the provided text:
mirra Andreeva, 17, Stuns Sabalenka to Win Indian Wells Title
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Mirra Andreeva, a 17-year-old Russian tennis sensation, pulled off a stunning upset against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to win the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday. Andreeva’s remarkable 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory makes her the youngest champion at Indian Wells as Serena Williams in 1999.
Triumph after Dubai Victory
Andreeva, currently ranked no. 11, has had a stellar season, boasting a tour-leading 19-3 record. This victory marks her second Masters 1000 title of 2025, adding to her triumph in Dubai in February, which propelled her into the top 10 for the first time. She is set to reclaim her spot in the top tier in Monday’s WTA rankings.
Andreeva’s self-belief
Echoing sentiments from her Dubai victory speech, andreeva expressed gratitude to herself for her unwavering determination. “I would again like to thank myself for fighting until the end adn for always believing in me and for never quitting,” she told the crowd. She also playfully acknowledged Sabalenka’s powerful shots, stating, “I tried to run like a rabbit today… it was really hard to just keep up, so I just tried my best.”
Turning the Tide After a rocky Start
after losing the first set to Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, Andreeva displayed remarkable composure.Despite an initial show of frustration, she rebounded in the second set, improving her serve and dominating with a 17-7 edge in winners. She clinched the set with an ace, holding at love for the first time in the match.
Dominating the Final Set
Andreeva carried her momentum into the third set, breaking Sabalenka’s serve at love to take an early lead.she sealed the victory with a final forehand winner, collapsing to her knees in elation.
fifth Consecutive Top 10 Win
This victory marks Andreeva’s fifth consecutive win against a top-10 opponent, improving her record to 9-5 against such players as the beginning of 2024. her notable run includes two victories each over Sabalenka and world No.2 Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the Indian Wells semifinals.
Past Importance
andreeva’s achievement places her in elite company. She is the first player under 18 to defeat the women ranked No. 1 and No. 2 at the same WTA tournament since Serena williams at the 1999 US Open. She is also the youngest to win a WTA trophy by defeating the No.1-ranked player in a final as Maria Sharapova in 2005.
Sportsmanship and Humor
Despite her dominant performance, Andreeva displayed humility and humor. She apologized for her pre-match jitters,joking about being a “little brat” due to nerves. sabalenka,also showed good humor,jesting about her runner-up trophy.
Q&A: Mirra Andreeva’s Indian Wells Triumph
Q: How old is Mirra Andreeva?
A: Mirra Andreeva is 17 years old. This victory at Indian Wells makes her the youngest champion as Serena Williams in 1999.
Q: What was the score of the final match?
A: Andreeva won 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 against Aryna Sabalenka.
Q: What is the significance of this win for Andreeva?
A: This is Andreeva’s second Masters 1000 title of 2025 and her second victory against Sabalenka. It’s also her fifth consecutive win against a top-10 player.
Q: What is Andreeva’s current ranking and how will it change?
A: Andreeva is currently ranked No. 11. Following her win, she is set to reclaim her spot in the top tier in the Monday’s WTA rankings.
Q: Who did Andreeva defeat in the semi-finals?
A: She defeated world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the Indian Wells semi-finals.
Q: What other notable achievements does Andreeva have?
A: She’s the first player under 18 to defeat the women ranked No. 1 and No. 2 at the same WTA tournament since Serena Williams at the 1999 US Open. She is also the youngest to win a WTA trophy by defeating the No. 1-ranked player in a final since Maria Sharapova in 2005.
Mirra Andreeva’s victory is a testament to her talent and determination. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues to make her mark on the world of tennis!