Aryna Sabalenka warned Mirra Andreeva that the result would be different in their next match (Image: Sky Sports)
sent an ominous threat to Mirra Andreeva after losing to the teenager in Indian Wells. The world No. 1 stormed through the first set in Sunday’s final , lifting her second successive title. It was revenge for Andreeva, who trailed Sabalenka 1-4 in their head-to-head and lost both of their matches earlier this year.
But Sabalenka is already eyeing up a rematch, and she told the newly-crowned champion that things would be different in their next meeting. Meanwhile, Andreeva issued a public apology to her coach – former world No. 1 Conchita Martinez – for acting like a “brat” ahead of the final.
Andreeva extended her winning streak to 12 matches with her triumphant comeback victory over Sabalenka on Sunday. The Russian has now won two WTA 1000 titles in a row, and her last loss came more than a month ago in Doha.
But three-time Major winner Sabalenka is keen to end Andreeva’s run as soon as possible. After finishing as the runner-up in Indian Wells for the second time, the top seed sent a warning to her young rival.
“Mirra, congrats on an incredible run, great tournament, and great tennis. Congrats on having a great team. If I had the same team you have at your age, I’d probably be a better player by now,” the 26-year-old joked.
“I have the best team right now. I mean before. At your age, I was struggling to find the right coach, but you got it so much earlier, that’s why you’re doing so well. Congrats, it’s amazing to see your success.
“I’ll meet you next time on court and it’s probably not going to be your win! But whatever.”
Mirra Andreeva lifted her second WTA 1000 title (Image: Getty)
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Andreeva was in stitches, listening from the player bench as she waited to be called to collect the trophy. After Sabalenka thanked her team, the fans and the tournament staff, it was finally time for the 17-year-old to take to the stage.
The Russian also had some kind words for her opponent. “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 told Sabalenka.
“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 also had a special message for her coach, retired tennis legend Martinez, who joined her team last year. Turning to her box, the newly-crowned champion continued: “Conchita, I know as I always say, it can be tough.
“Today was not the exception. I know I was, as you like to say, a little brat, a little bit in the morning.
“That’s because I was super nervous so I’m sorry for that! I don’t think I would be here without all of you so thank you for being by my side.”
Although she thought she behaved like a ‘brat’, Andreeva was also proud of her own efforts in the match. When the teenager lifted the title in Dubai last month, she raised eyebrows when she thanked herself during her speech. And she did the same again on Sunday.
“And last but not least I would again like to thank myself for fighting until the end and for always believing in me and for never quitting,” she smiled.
“I don’t know, I tried to run like a rabbit today because Aryna, she’s been sending bullets and it was really hard to keep up so I just tried my best. And that’s why I want to thank myself because I think that I played a little part also!”