In the Indian Wells final, Mirra Andreeva, a teenager, had a difficult first set against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. She showed her frustration early in the second set, displaying typical teenage reactions like shaking her head and talking to her team.

Her team was used to these kinds of reactions.

However, just over an hour later, Andreeva was holding the BNP Paribas Open trophy and apologizing to her coach, Conchita Martinez.

“I know I can be tough, and today was no different,” Andreeva admitted at the ceremony. “I know I was a bit of a ‘brat’ this morning because I was extremely nervous. I’m sorry for that.”

Her apology was easily accepted.

Andreeva turned the match around, challenging Sabalenka more and more. By the end, Sabalenka was the one showing frustration, talking to herself and making errors. Andreeva won with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday afternoon, a victory that could significantly change the WTA Tour landscape.

During her impressive run in Indian Wells, Andreeva defeated Sabalenka (No. 1), Iga Swiatek (No. 2), and Elena Rybakina (No. 7). She also beat Swiatek and Rybakina on her way to winning the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships last month.

Andreeva is still only 17 years old. As the match progressed, she regained her composure and confidence. This significant moment in her young career didn’t overwhelm her.

Andreeva’s achievements are remarkable. Consider these comparisons:

  • She is the youngest player to beat the World No. 1 and No. 2 in a single WTA event since 16-year-old Tracy Austin in 1979.
  • She is the youngest player to win consecutive WTA 1000 events since Martina Hingis in 1997.
  • She is the third-youngest player in the last 40 years to defeat the No. 1 in a WTA final after losing the first set, only older than Jennifer Capriati (1991) and Gabriela Sabatini (1988).

Thinking back to the 90s, when the internet was new and social media didn’t exist, and everyday things were cheaper.

The turning point in the match was the third game of the second set.

Before this, Andreeva had missed seven break point opportunities. Including her previous matches against Sabalenka earlier in the year, she had failed to convert 18 break points in a row. This frustration, Andreeva later said, was “boiling inside” her.

Finally, on her 19th try, she succeeded. Andreeva hit a strong return that Sabalenka couldn’t handle, giving her a break to lead 2-1 in the second set. Andreeva then won four of the next six break points to secure the match.

After her victory, she quoted Snoop Dogg and LeBron James. It’s almost unbelievable, but Andreeva’s 19 match wins this year are the most of any player.

Since her breakthrough in Madrid nearly two years ago at age 15, Andreeva has been rising to challenge the best in tennis. She has now reached No. 6 in the updated PIF WTA Rankings.

The wait is over. She has arrived.

Five questions with Mirra Andreeva

Did I hear you drop a LeBron James quote in your post-match interviews?

Andreeva: Yes, something like that. I like to use a quote from a LeBron James interview for motivation before matches. He said that even if you’re not physically 100%, you can choose to be 100% mentally, and that’s what makes champions. I tried to apply that today, and it seemed to work.

In the end, what do you think made the difference in the match?

Andreeva: I think it was me finally thinking positively. In the first set, I was too negative and frustrated about not converting break points and important points. I really tried to stay positive.

You mentioned Snoop Dogg and thanked yourself after the match. What are you most proud of from this performance?

Andreeva: I’m proud that I bounced back after a poor first set. I had difficulties and had to force myself to think positively. My team does so much for me, and I felt that losing easily wouldn’t be fair. I really tried to fight for every point after that.

You beat World No. 1, No. 2, and No. 7 on your way to the title. Honestly, a few months ago, did you believe you could do this?

Andreeva: Now I believe I can win big matches against top players. Before, I just tried to win as many games as possible, with nothing to lose. Now, facing top players, I feel like I can actually beat them. I have the belief now, and that was key today.

Your initial goal for 2025 was Top 10. After reaching that in Dubai, it became Top 5. Now you’re No. 6, what are your goals going forward?

Andreeva: I’m still aiming for Top 5, as I haven’t reached it yet. My goal is also to maintain this level and mindset. I’ll do my best to achieve that, and we’ll see what happens.