Mirra Andreeva, the rising star of women’s tennis, has become the youngest player to reach the Indian Wells final since 2001.
The world number 11 achieved a hard-fought victory over two-time Indian Wells champion Iga Swiatek, winning 7-6 (7-1), 1-6, 6-3 in an intense semifinal clash lasting 2 hours and 17 minutes.
The Russian teenager’s victory marks her second consecutive win over Swiatek, following her triumph at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai last month. This latest result extends her impressive winning streak to 11 matches as she continues her breakout season on the WTA tour.
At just 17 years old, Andreeva is on the brink of rewriting the record books. A victory in Sunday’s final would make her the first teenager to claim the Indian Wells women’s singles title since Bianca Andreescu in 2019.
She also joins an elite group of players under 18 to reach the final at this prestigious tournament, including legends like Serena Williams, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis.
Reflecting on her semifinal performance, Andreeva said, “I felt so much confidence during the tiebreak—it was like playing the last tiebreak of my life. My serve was great, and everything just clicked.”
Andreeva will face world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final, who stormed past Australian Open champion Madison Keys in a dominant 6-0, 6-1 victory.
