Seventeen-year-old Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday, becoming the youngest Indian Wells champion since Serena Williams in 1999. Her remarkable victory also marks her second Masters 1000 title of the year, following her triumph in Dubai, and cements her status as a rising force in women’s tennis.
With this win, Andreeva improved her season record to a tour-leading 19-3 and solidified her place in the WTA Top 10. Despite losing the first set and facing a formidable opponent in Sabalenka, Andreeva displayed incredible mental toughness and tactical brilliance to turn the match around.
Reflecting on her win, Andreeva humorously echoed her Dubai victory speech, borrowing inspiration from rapper Snoop Dogg: “I would again like to thank myself for fighting until the end and for always believing in me and for never quitting.” She added, “I tried to run like a rabbit today,” acknowledging Sabalenka’s powerful and fast-paced shots. “It was hard to keep up, so I just tried my best, and that’s why I thank myself, because I played a little part in the win, too.”
In the early stages, it looked like Sabalenka was headed for another dominant performance. She broke Andreeva twice in the opening set, using a mix of drop shots and powerful forehands to control rallies. Andreeva’s frustration showed as she lost composure, even hitting a ball into the stands after a missed shot.
However, the teenager regrouped in the second set, breaking Sabalenka early and holding firm in key moments to level the match. In the decider, after exchanging early breaks, Sabalenka’s errors increased, and Andreeva capitalized, gaining a crucial break and sealing the victory with a superb forehand winner.
On the men’s side, Britain’s Jack Draper delivered a masterclass in the final, overpowering Denmark’s Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2 to capture his first Masters 1000 title. Draper, now assured a place in the ATP Top 10 for the first time, played aggressive and flawless tennis, hitting 21 winners in just 69 minutes.
Draper broke Rune’s serve early and maintained pressure throughout, serving seven aces and dominating at the net. Rune, a seasoned player in his fourth Masters final, struggled to find rhythm, committing 18 unforced errors to only seven winners.
Celebrating his victory, Draper fell to his knees in triumph, calling the win a testament to his resilience after battling a hip injury earlier in the year. “I feel like I deserve it,” he said. “To be number seven in the world tomorrow — I can’t tell you how much that means.”
Draper’s path to the title wasn’t easy. He defeated former champion Taylor Fritz and two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to reach the final, showing maturity, strength, and belief. His win at Indian Wells marks a significant milestone in what promises to be a stellar career.
