"It was not a pleasant talk but it worked": Mirra Andreeva reveals how she turned Australian Open embarrassment to Indian Wells title

Russia’s young tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva has revealed what made her improve after defeat at the Australian Open to Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka. The 17-year-old is already regarded as the one for the future.

Andreeva secured the biggest win of her career on Sunday as she defeated the reigning world number one in the final with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. While doing so, she achieved a lot of small milestones on her way. She became the third-youngest player to win the women’s singles title at the Indian Wells. She also becomes the second-youngest player to win the WTA 1000 event or a Grand Slam by beating the world number one and two in the semifinal and final. Before getting the better of Sabalenka in the final, Andreeva defeated reigning world number two Iga Swiatek in the semifinal with a score of 7-6, 1-6, 6-3.

The result is a sign of massive improvement for Andreeva, who earlier this year suffered a thumping defeat in the fourth round of the first Grand Slam of the year to the same player in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-2. The 17-year-old has spoken to The Tennis Channel, where she opened up about that defeat at the Australian Open earlier this year. Andreeva stated that after that result, she had a conversation with her coach, Conchita Martinez, which was ‘not pleasant’, but it worked for her in the long run.

“In Australia, I think she just really didn’t give me one chance,” said Andreeva. “I know that she feels very comfortable playing in Australia. I think its one of her favourite tournaments. She has won there twice. I don’t know there was little bit of pressure with me when I played that match. I just felt that. She was really pressuring me and I struggled to fight back. After that, I had a conversation with coach Conchita. It was not a pleasant talk but it worked and I hope I will be able to maintain these levels for as long as possible.”