Joining Legends: Mirra Andreeva becomes youngest Indian Wells finalist since 2001

Mirra Andreeva continues to shine on the WTA Tour after reaching the Indian Wells final with a remarkable victory over Iga Swiatek. The 17-year-old joins an exclusive group of five players who reached the Tennis Garden final while still under 18, something no one had achieved in 24 years.

The World No. 9 overcame a tough challenge, defeating Swiatek — two-time defending champion — 7-6[7-1], 1-6, 6-3, and is now set to face Aryna Sabalenka, who crushed Australian Open champion Madison Keys 6-0, 6-1.

Read also

Preview WTA Indian Wells Final: Mirra Andreeva’s stunning run meets Aryna Sabalenka’s championship experience

Andreeva is on an 11-match winning streak, following her first WTA 1000 title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships a few weeks ago, where she beat Clara Tauson in the final. This time, she’ll battle for the title against none other than World No. 1 Sabalenka, a player nine years her senior.

Although Sabalenka recently dismissed the age gap as a factor, Andreeva’s achievements at such a young age are rare. The teenager is the first player under 18 to reach the tournament final since Kim Clijsters in 2001.

Read also

“I still feel like I'm 18”: Aryna Sabalenka reflects on facing teen sensation Mirra Andreeva in Indian Wells final

The four other players who reached the final as teenagers include Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, and Serena Williams. Of the four legends who preceded Andreeva, only Hingis and Serena claimed the title on their first attempt, though both Seles and Clijsters went on to win it in later years.

Andreeva’s record is no small feat, considering each of these teenage sensations later reached World No. 1 and became multiple Grand Slam champions. While a breakthrough run as a teenager doesn’t guarantee long-term success, the Russian has all the tools to make it to the top.

This Sunday, Andreeva will aim for her second consecutive WTA 1000 title and extend her winning streak to 12 matches. She has already secured her highest career ranking as World No. 8, but lifting the trophy would propel her even higher to World No. 6, overtaking Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina.

Read also

Jack Draper ready to make the Big Three the Big Four according to alternative ranking prior to Indian Wells semi-final

Indian Wells finalists under 18

Monica Seles (1991) – 17 years and 91 days - runner-up

Martina Hingis (1998) – 17 years and 166 days - champion

Serena Williams (1999) – 17 years and 283 days - champion

Kim Clijsters (2001) – 17 years and 283 days - runner-up

Mirra Andreeva (2024) – 17 years and 309 days

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe