Mirra Andreeva made history at the Indian Wells tournament, defeating world number one Iga Swiatek in a thrilling semifinal and then Aryna Sabalenka in the final. The 17-year-old phenom became the youngest player in the top 10 after her debut victory at the Masters 1000 event earlier this month.
Andreeva’s journey to Indian Wells was nothing short of phenomenal, as she conquered the best players in the world, dropping a total of six games against Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina. Her impressive performance earned her a spot in the final against Sabalenka, who has proven to be one of Andreeva’s toughest opponents.
The match was marked by Andreeva’s exceptional shot-making, particularly with her forehand slice, which forced Sabalenka into making difficult plays under pressure. When her backhand proved ineffective, Andreeva trusted her defense and dispatched dozens of lobs and slices, causing Sabalenka to struggle at the net.
Andreeva’s serve also played a crucial role in her victory, as she levelled with Sabalenka 3-2 in the second set after being down 0-30. The shot that won her the point – a sprinting counter-drop shot – was particularly impressive and showcased Andreeva’s ability to perform under pressure.
Andreeva’s mental toughness and confidence have been key to her success, as she has shown an unwavering commitment to believing in herself even when faced with intense pressure. Her post-match statement, thanking herself for fighting until the end, highlighted her growing self-awareness and determination to succeed at the highest level.
Source: https://defector.com/mirra-andreeva-grabs-center-stage