"I tried to run like a rabbit today because Aryna was sending bullets": Mirra Andreeva's hilarious analogy after epic Sabalenka Indian Wells win
WTA
Mirra Andreeva is the champion at Indian Wells defeating Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the final. She made it back-to-back WTA 1000 titles and again like she did in winning Dubai referenced Snoop Dogg in thanking herself.
But she also came up with a hilarious analogy to describe why she had to perform the way she did calling herself a rabbit having to dodge Sabalenka's bullets.
Also though it saw Sabalenka on top form when it came to trying to put Andreeva off during her winners speech as it sent both the 17-year-old and the crowd into stitches.
"Congrats to Aryna and your team. I think it’s been an amazing two weeks for you. You’ve been playing amazing tennis," said Andreeva until she was interrupted by Sabalenka making hand signals in the background while she wasn't looking.
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"I've seen that before," joked Andreeva. "I'm sure there 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," as both tried to fight off laughter.
Andreeva thanked herself in Dubai which intentional or not is a Snoop Dogg reference and she did so again which some on social media joked should be made into T-shirts.
She made the crowd laugh and again herself as she tried to keep a straight face while thanking herself in front of the fans and her team including coach Conchita Martinez.
"Last but not least, I'd like to thank myself," as the crowd laughed and cheered her. "For fighting until the end always believing in me. For never quitting. I tried to run like a rabbit today because Aryna was sending bullets."
"They were really hard to keep up. So I just tried my best and that's why I'd like to thank myself. I played a little part also so thank you everyone."
Mirra Andreeva after beating Sabalenka at Indian Wells
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 16, 2025
“Last but not least, I’d like to thank myself 😂. For fighting til the end and always believing in me. For never quitting. I tried to run like a rabbit today because Aryna was sending bullets.”
pic.twitter.com/Cez3eSiqcn

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Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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