Teenager Mirra Andreeva cemented her status as the WTA Tour’s fastest-rising star by stunning world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka to claim the Indian Wells title. The win has catapulted Andreeva into the top 10 rankings: she is now a career high sixth.
Here’s all you need to know about her.
Age: 17 (Born April 29, 2007)
Nationality: Russian
Breakthrough moment:
– Won the WTA 1000 Dubai last month where she beat Swiatek and Rybakina.
– Won the 2025 Indian Wells title, defeating World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.
– Back-to-back WTA 1000 titles, confirming her as a rising star.
Record-breaking achievements:
– Youngest Indian Wells champion since Serena Williams (1999).
– Fifth player to reach the Indian Wells final before turning 18 (joining Seles, Hingis, Serena, and Clijsters).
– Youngest player to defeat both World No.1 and No.2 in a single WTA event since 1990.
– Youngest to win consecutive WTA 1000 events since Hingis (1997).
– Third-youngest player to defeat a World No.1 in a WTA final from a set down (after Capriati and Sabatini).
Historic company:
– One of only three women under 18 in the last 40 years to beat the No.1 and No.2 in a single event (alongside Graf and Serena).
What she said after beating Sabalenka:
“Last but not least, I’d like to thank myself (laughs). For fighting till the end and always believing in me. For never quitting. I tried to run like a rabbit today because Aryna was sending bullets.”
The AER rule:
Since Andreeva is 17, the Age Eligibility Rule (AER) limits her to playing 16 professional events per season, with up to four additional tournaments allowed based on merit.
Additionally, she must meet WTA requirements, including:
– Completing a physical examination
– Meeting the minimum educational requirements of her country
– Participating in WTA training and educational programs focused on health, safety, and career longevity
These restrictions are designed to manage young players’ workload and ensure long-term career sustainability.
Playing style:
– Fearless baseline aggression.
– Mental toughness beyond her years.
– Exceptional movement and defensive skills.