Mirra Andreeva came from a set down to lift the title in Indian Wells (Image: Getty)
Mirra Andreeva completed the teenage dream in Indian Wells, upsetting to claim her second successive WTA 1000 title. Andreeva, 17, came from a set down to beat the world No.1 2-6 6-4 6-3, extending her winning streak to 12 matches. She becomes the third-youngest woman ever to lift the title in Indian Wells.
The world No.11 has not lost a match in more than a month, also clinching the title at the recent Dubai Championships. She will now re-enter the world’s top 10 and reach a new career-high ranking of No.6. Andreeva had a 1-4 record against Sabalenka coming into the final, including two disappointing losses in January.
It was another tough start for the Russian teenager, who blew four break points and was broken twice in the first set as Sabalenka took the opener after 36 minutes.
Andreeva finally converted her eighth break point of the match, ripping a forehand winner off the return to lead 2-1 in the second set.
The 17-year-old forced a decider and broke in the first game before Sabalenka pegged her back. But Andreeva maintained her composure, taking the lead again as the top seed struggled to find answers.
The world No.11 earned one final break to seal the match, firing down another winner and falling to her knees in delight before enjoying an emotional reunion with her mum and team, who came down from the stands.
Mirra Andreeva collapsed to her knees after clinching the title (Image: Getty)
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It’s the second time Sabalenka has suffered defeat in the Indian Wells final, also losing to Elena Rybakina two years ago.
Reflecting on her run, the 26-year-old said: “I kind of have a love-hate relationship with this place. I’ll just put this trophy on top of the other one and pretend like it’s the trophy for winning, you know? It’s going to be a quite similar size!”
Sabalenka also congratulated Andreeva on her run, joking that she would get the teenager next time.
“It’s amazing to see your success. I’ll meet you next time on court and probably not going to be your win! But whatever,” she added, leaving the newly-crowned champion in stitches.
Both women still couldn’t contain their giggles as Andreeva stepped up to give her victory speech. “Of course, congrats to Aryna and your team. I think that it’s been an amazing two weeks for you, you’ve been playing amazing tennis,” she started.
“I’m sure there are a lot of positives and great things to take from these two weeks so I think you should do that and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season.”
Andreeva will now attempt to continue her winning streak at the Miami Open, the next event in the ‘sunshine double’. But she’s already sad to leave Indian Wells behind.
The 17-year-old added: “It felt amazing to come here every day and it was super cosy. I really loved my time here and I already miss this place even though I’m still here so I will be super excited to come back next year.”