The young Russian’s poise under pressure, helped secure a hard-fought 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 win, pushing Andreeva into the top 10 of the WTA rankings for the first time in her career. This victory, following her breakthrough win in Dubai only a few weeks ago, marks a defining moment in her rise as one of the most promising young talents in tennis.
Andreeva’s victory was not without its challenges. Early on, it seemed as though Sabalenka would seize control of the match. The World No. 1 started with a shaky serve and missed several aggressive shots, offering Andreeva multiple opportunities to take the early lead. Yet despite creating four break points in the third game of the match, Andreeva couldn’t convert, missing a chance to break Sabalenka’s serve and putting herself at a disadvantage. The first set, ultimately, went to Sabalenka after a decisive break.
But the young Russian wasn’t deterred. Having already proved her resilience on numerous occasions this year, Andreeva adjusted her game after the first set, moving into the second with greater intensity. The pivotal moment came when, leading 3-2 in the second set, she faced another break point. In a breathtaking display of athleticism and composure, Andreeva saved the point with a miraculous retrieval of a Sabalenka drop shot, which she turned into an incredible angle winner, leaving Sabalenka stunned. The crowd erupted, and Andreeva began to assert her authority on the match, using drop shots and powerful backhands to keep the top seed off balance.
Sabalenka, known for her aggressive baseline game and her improved net play, tried to alter the rhythm by coming to the net more often, but Andreeva’s variety and court coverage made it difficult for the Belarusian to establish her dominance. Andreeva’s backhand—once a shaky point in her game—has evolved into a deadly weapon, a perfect blend of power and precision. Whether it was a flat, cross-court winner or a carefully placed slice, Andreeva’s backhand, alongside her dangerous serve, has become one of the key aspects of her game that opponents now fear.
When the match entered the third set, Andreeva showed the calmness of a seasoned veteran. She broke Sabalenka early in the set with two precise backhands, mixing it up to outwit the World No. 1. Sabalenka, who has often thrived in high-pressure moments, struggled to find the same level of consistency, allowing Andreeva to close out the match with a composed performance, who celebrated the moment by sharing a heartfelt moment with her coach, Conchita Martínez.
Martínez, the legendary Spanish coach, has been instrumental in Andreeva’s meteoric rise. The two began working together in the spring of 2024, and since then, Andreeva’s game has transformed dramatically. Martínez, who helped Garbiñe Muguruza win Wimbledon, has instilled a sense of belief and maturity in Andreeva, pushing her to become more aggressive on court while maintaining the tactical flexibility that has made her so difficult to break down. With Martínez’s guidance, Andreeva has not only developed a more consistent and powerful serve but has also learned to turn defensive positions into attacking opportunities with shots like her trademark forehand-slice squash shot.
The 2025 season has been a dream for Andreeva. Before Indian Wells, she became the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title in Dubai, where she defeated top players like Iga Świątek and Elena Rybakina in dominant fashion. She entered Indian Wells as a dark horse but quickly proved that her success in Dubai was no fluke. Andreeva’s ability to mix up her game—combining drop shots, lobs, and a heavy baseline game—has left top-ranked players struggling to adjust.
What makes Andreeva’s rise so remarkable is the maturity with which she plays. At just 17, she has already demonstrated the mental toughness needed to compete with the best in the world. Even in moments of doubt, Andreeva found a way to rebound and refocus. In an era where emotional control is crucial, Andreeva’s ability to stay calm under pressure has become one of her defining attributes.
Off the court, Andreeva is not your typical teenager. She is a student of the game, spending hours watching old matches of tennis legends, studying their strategies. This intellectual approach to the sport, combined with her natural talent, has made her a player to watch in the coming months as the summer hard-court season approaches.
As Andreeva now prepares for a busy summer, which includes the upcoming Grand Slams and WTA events, the tennis world will be keenly watching her every move. With a new ranking inside the top 10 and a 10-match winning streak under her belt, Andreeva is primed to become one of the sport’s future stars. If her performances in Indian Wells and Dubai are any indication, she is more than ready for the pressure and the spotlight that comes with being one of the youngest top players in the world. The sky is the limit for Mirra Andreeva, and the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation for what comes next.