Teenage tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva has solidified her status as one of the sport’s brightest emerging stars by clinching her second consecutive WTA 1000 title at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The 17-year-old Russian defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final on Sunday, March 16, with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, becoming the third-youngest woman ever to win the prestigious tournament, following in the footsteps of Martina Hingis (1998) and Serena Williams (1999).
Andreeva’s victory marks her second WTA 1000 title in just over three weeks, following her triumph in Dubai in late February. With this win, she extends her remarkable winning streak to 12 matches and improves her season record to an impressive 19-3, the most wins by any woman on the WTA Tour in 2025. Her latest achievement not only showcases her exceptional talent but also places her in elite company, as she joins Hingis and Williams as the only women to conquer the California desert before turning 18.
The final against Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was a test of Andreeva’s resilience and skill. After dropping the first set 2-6 in just 36 minutes, Andreeva regrouped and mounted a comeback, breaking Sabalenka’s serve in the second set to level the match. In the decisive third set, she broke early and maintained her composure under pressure, sealing the victory with a forehand winner that sent her to her knees in celebration. The match, which lasted just over two hours, highlighted Andreeva’s ability to adapt and thrive against one of the game’s most formidable players.
“I tried to run like a rabbit today because Aryna was sending bullets across the net,” Andreeva said with a laugh during the trophy presentation. “I’d like to thank myself for fighting until the end, for always believing, and for never quitting.” She also apologized to her coach, Conchita Martinez, for being “a little brat” before the match due to nerves, a candid moment that endeared her to the crowd.
Andreeva’s path to the title was nothing short of extraordinary. In the semifinals, she defeated World No. 2 and defending champion Iga Swiatek in a three-set thriller, 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-3, marking her second win over Swiatek in as many tournaments. Earlier in the tournament, she overcame tough opponents including 7th seed Elena Rybakina, 23rd seed Elina Svitolina, and 22nd seed Clara Tauson, showcasing her versatility and tenacity on the hard courts of Tennis Paradise.
This victory makes Andreeva the first player under 18 to defeat the world’s top two ranked players at the same WTA tournament since Serena Williams accomplished the feat at the 1999 US Open. She is also the youngest player to win a WTA title by defeating the World No. 1 in a final since Maria Sharapova beat Lindsay Davenport in Tokyo in 2005.
At 17 years and 10 months, Andreeva’s historic run at Indian Wells places her among the sport’s all-time greats. Martina Hingis won the title in 1998 at 17 years and 5 months, while Serena Williams claimed her first Indian Wells crown in 1999 at 17 years and 6 months. Andreeva, who turns 18 on April 29, is now the youngest Indian Wells champion in 26 years and the fifth player to reach the final before turning 18, joining Monica Seles (1991), Hingis, Williams, and Kim Clijsters (2001).
Sabalenka, who finished as runner-up for the second time in three years, praised Andreeva’s performance. “Mirra, congrats on an incredible run – great tournament, and great tennis,” she said, adding with a smile, “I have a love-hate relationship with this place.”
Andreeva’s meteoric rise continues to captivate the tennis world. After her Dubai victory propelled her into the top 10 for the first time, this latest triumph ensures her return to the elite tier in the WTA rankings, set to be updated on Monday, March 18. With two WTA 1000 titles already under her belt in 2025, Andreeva is emerging as a serious contender for Grand Slam glory, with many experts and fans predicting a bright future ahead.