Mirra Andreeva follows in Serena Williams’ footsteps by becoming the youngest champion at Indian Wells in over 25 years. The 17-year-old player continues in impressive form after defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Another showdown from Andreeva, who extended her winning streak to 12 consecutive matches and won back-to-back WTA 1000 titles, as just a few weeks earlier, she triumphed at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
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The teenager delivered a phenomenal performance, not just on this day, but throughout the entire tournament. On her way to the title, she defeated Varvara Gracheva (No. 70), Clara Tauson (No. 21), Elena Rybakina (No. 7), Elina Svitolina (No. 23), Iga Swiatek (No. 2), and Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1).
Andreeva becomes only the third player under 18 to win the title at Indian Wells. Since the tournament began featuring a women’s category in 1989, only Martina Hingis (1998) and Serena Williams (1999) have achieved this feat.
Under-18 players to win Indian Wells
- Martina Hingis (1998) – 17 years and 166 days – defeated Lindsay Davenport 6-3, 6-4.
- Serena Williams (1999) – 17 years and 283 days – defeated Steffi Graf 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
- Mirra Andreeva (2024) – 17 years and 309 days – defeated Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Perhaps even more impressive is that Mirra Andreeva is also the third player in history under 18 to win a WTA title by defeating both the world No. 1 and No. 2 on her way to the crown. She joins, arguably, the two greatest tennis players in history, as the all-time Grand Slam champions of the Open Era: Steffi Graf (22) and Serena Williams (23).
- Steffi Graf – Miami Open 1987 – d. Martina Navratilova (No. 1, semis) and Chris Evert (No. 2, final).
- Serena Williams – US Open 1999 – d. Lindsay Davenport (No. 2, semis) and Martina Hingis (No. 1, final).
- Mirra Andreeva – Indian Wells 2025 – d. Iga Swiatek (No. 2, semis) and Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1, final).
17-years-old. https://t.co/6tWE9wCrM9 pic.twitter.com/jbUEL4pGhI
— wta (@WTA) March 16, 2025
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.
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