At just 17 years old, Mirra Andreeva is proving she belongs among the best in women’s tennis. On Friday night at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the young Russian sensation defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in a thrilling three-set semifinal, securing her spot in the final and extending her winning streak to 11 matches.
The highly anticipated showdown saw two dominant forces collide—Andreeva riding a 10-match win streak and Swiatek undefeated in her last 10 matches at Indian Wells. Something had to give, and it was Andreeva who emerged victorious, battling past the top seed 7-6 (1), 1-6, 6-3.
This wasn’t the first time Andreeva toppled the Polish star. Just last month, she defeated Swiatek en route to her biggest career title in Dubai. Now, with another massive win under her belt, she becomes the youngest Indian Wells finalist since Kim Clijsters in 2001.
A Clash of Streaks
From the outset, it was clear this match would be a test of nerves and resilience. Andreeva struck first, breaking Swiatek late in the opening set and coming within a game of sealing it at 5-4. But Swiatek, ever the fighter, broke back to force a tiebreak. That’s when Andreeva’s backhand took over. With pinpoint precision, she dominated the tiebreak 7-1, finishing the set with 18 winners to 11 unforced errors.
However, Swiatek responded in the second set like a true champion. She found her rhythm, controlled the rallies, and stormed through 6-1, leveling the match in dominant fashion.
“I felt like she literally overplayed me,” Andreeva admitted. “She was playing deep, with good height over the net, and it was really tough to counter.”
That’s when the teenager made a crucial decision. Taking a bathroom break before the final set, she regrouped and changed her approach.
The Decisive Set
Returning to the court with renewed energy, Andreeva immediately put pressure on Swiatek. A string of unforced errors from the No. 2 seed helped the young Russian take a 2-0 lead. With her confidence soaring, Andreeva extended her advantage to a 4-1 double break. Though Swiatek fought back and reclaimed one break, she couldn’t hold off Andreeva’s relentless attack. The teenager sealed the victory with a forehand winner, sending shockwaves through the tournament.
“It feels great to win,” Andreeva said. “I just decided to go for my shots, play a little more aggressive, and in the end, it worked.”
What’s Next?
Andreeva will now face top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the final. The Belarusian powerhouse made a statement of her own, crushing Madison Keys 6-0, 6-1 in just 51 minutes. It will be a battle of youth versus experience, with Andreeva looking to capture back-to-back WTA 1000 titles.
Meanwhile, Swiatek was hoping to end a title drought dating back to Roland Garros last year. Instead, she exits Indian Wells with another setback, but undoubtedly remains one of the sport’s fiercest competitors.
With an 11-match win streak and a fearless attitude, Andreeva has firmly announced herself as a future superstar. Can she pull off another upset and claim the Indian Wells crown? Tennis fans won’t want to miss this final.
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