‘I like it’ – Russian teen Mirra Andreeva relishes quick rise in WTA’s ranks

INDIAN WELLS – Mirra Andreeva rallied from a set down to beat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka for the Indian Wells WTA 1000 title on March 16, continuing a meteoric rise backed by the coaching counsel of Conchita Martinez.

“Maybe it’s happening fast, but I like it. If it’s happening fast, I take it,” Andreeva said, after ensuring she climbed to a career-high sixth in the world on March 17.

The 17-year-old Russian said she tries not to gauge herself against the teen prodigies of the past, but the comparisons are calling.

Having already become the youngest-ever winner of a WTA 1000 title in Dubai in February, she added another elite title to her resume as she became the third-youngest woman to hoist the Indian Wells trophy, after Martina Hingis (1998) and Serena Williams (1999).

Not only did she beat the top-ranked Belarusian 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, she also defeated world No. 2 and defending champion Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, becoming the first player under 18 to beat the top two at the same WTA tournament since Williams overcame Lindsay Davenport and Hingis at the 1999 US Open.

She credited a protective and experienced team, which includes Spain’s 1994 Wimbledon champion Martinez – who teamed up with the youngster not long after her early exit from Indian Wells in 2024.

“Since the beginning of our work relationship, I already felt like we had a great connection. I felt very comfortable around her,” Andreeva said this week.

“I feel like we’re both very energetic, and I feel like we both know how to be energetic, but when we need to, also calm down and take things seriously.”

Andreeva said she needed Martinez’s steadying influence on March 16 when she was a bundle of nerves as she prepared to take on Sabalenka, who had won four of their previous five encounters, including two in 2025.

“I would actually say that I was a brat, and there were a lot of nerves as well. When I’m nervous, I kind of tend to close my personality a little bit, so I don’t let anybody in. I don’t really talk much,” Andreeva said of her March 16 morning self.

“I think Conchita tried to kind of create a nice and relaxed atmosphere around us today but, in the morning, it was a bit tough for me because I was nervous. In the end, she did good with it.”

Andreeva was not taking much time to savour her victory, with a chance to add a third 1000 title to her resume before her 18th birthday arrives in April.

“I think that we’re going to celebrate in the airport or on the plane, because tomorrow morning we’re going to fly to Miami,” said Andreeva, who is seeded 11th for the Miami Open that starts proper on March 21.

In the men’s final, Britain’s Jack Draper thrashed Holger Rune of Denmark 6-2, 6-2 to collect the biggest title of his career and assure a place in the top 10 for the first time.

The 23-year-old Draper has suffered a lingering hip issue in 2025 but looked fine as he zipped around the court with ease on March 16, firing 21 winners to cap a superb week in the California desert.

Playing in his third Masters 1000 final, Rune had the benefit of experience but could never find his rhythm as he made seven winners against 20 unforced errors.

“I lost first round here last year, so I didn’t get to experience the tournament too much. I would say this is one of my favourite tournaments now,” said Draper, the world No. 7.

Playing in his first 1000-level final, Draper bludgeoned his opponent with seven aces in the first set, having hit a forehand winner to break in the first game and outfoxed Rune at the net in the third to go up another break.

The Dane’s frustrations boiled over early in the second set, when he shouted at his team before dropping serve in the first game. He handed Draper another break in the penultimate game with a backhand shot that he sent wide.

Draper fired a booming forehand shot on match point and smiled towards the stands before kneeling on court with his fists thrust into the air in celebration, clinching it in just 69 minutes.

“Before the match, you’re thinking of all kinds of scenarios in your head, a lot of doubts. And just what makes it even better is that, you know, just getting through those doubts and being able to play the final the way I did,” he said.

Rune made no excuses for his performance, telling the crowd: “It never feels nice not to be able to step over the line, but that’s life sometimes.” AFP, REUTERS