"it's actually a bit easier to play": Mirra Andreeva credits crowd energy after victory over Elena Rybakina
WTA
Mirra Andreeva has been surprised by the level of support she’s received at Indian Wells after a remarkable fourth-round victory over Elena Rybakina. The teenager once again took down the 2022 Wimbledon champion, just weeks after doing the same on her way to her first WTA 1000 title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The Russian now has seven top-10 victories, with this latest win ending Rybakina’s nine-match winning streak at Tennis Paradise. Andreeva seems to have found consistency in her career quickly, emerging as a strong title contender.
Her rapid success has earned her the crowd’s affection, along with her spontaneous and outgoing personality. However, Andreeva admits she doesn’t fully understand why she has so much fan support. "I don't know why people are supporting me this much, because honestly, when I was playing in [the] US, my results were not great,” the 17-year-old stated.
"You know, last year here I lost in the first round. At the US Open, twice I lost in the second round. So I don't know why people are supporting a lot for me, but no, it feels great," she added, smiling. "They stayed until the end of our match, and they were still supporting tonight, as well."
The ninth seed expressed gratitude to the fans who stayed until late at night in the cold to cheer her on. "It's pretty late and it's pretty cold outside, so, for me, it feels amazing because I know that sometimes when you play a late match, people, you know, they don't really want to stay and watch the match when it's cold and late outside."
"I don't know why, but I have a lot of people that are supporting me, and I don't know, something about United States is people are so energetic, and when I play a match and some people are supporting me," the world No. 9 claimed. "I just kind of feel their energy. It kind of lights me up a little bit, and after, it's actually a bit easier to play, as well."
Read also
Andreeva now prepares to face Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals, after the Ukrainian eliminated American world No. 4 Jessica Pegula. Since the war began, Svitolina has found inspiration whenever she faces Russian players, boasting a 9-1 record against them since returning from maternity leave in 2023. "I know that she's a fighter, she runs for every ball. Now she's also playing a little bit more aggressive," Andreeva said.
What a win for Mirra Andreeva!
— WTARussians (@WTArussians) March 12, 2025
Needed just 64 minutes to stun World No.7 Elena Rybakina 6-1, 6-2 and reach the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open, extending her winning streak to 9 matches, all at the WTA1000 level.
Playing with so much confidence and poise right now! pic.twitter.com/plGMyKmwA0
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
