Andreeva stuns Sabalenka to win Indian Wells title
INDIAN WELLS, California: Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva produced a stunning comeback to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the Indian Wells final on Sunday, securing her second consecutive WTA 1000 title.
The 17-year-old, now the youngest women’s champion at the tournament since Serena Williams in 1999, overcame a slow start to turn the match around. After sealing victory with a forehand winner, she collapsed in celebration, marking a milestone moment in her young career.
Top seed Sabalenka had looked in control early, unleashing powerful forehands and mixing in deft drop shots. She broke Andreeva twice in the first set and saved multiple break points in the third game of the second. However, Andreeva gradually found her rhythm, countering Sabalenka’s aggressive play with relentless defense and precise shot-making.
“I would like to thank myself for fighting until the end and for always believing in me,” Andreeva said after the match. “I was running like a rabbit today because Aryna was sending bullets.”
Despite having beaten Andreeva twice earlier this year, Sabalenka was unable to maintain her level as errors crept into her game. The Russian teenager capitalized, showcasing remarkable composure under pressure to claim the biggest title of her career so far.(Reuters)
