Indian Wells: Andreeva Shocks Swiatek to Reach Final Against Sabalenka

Indian Wells, March 15 (NationPress) Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva achieved a remarkable upset over defending champion Iga Swiatek on Saturday, clinching a 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-3 victory that secures her spot in the Indian Wells final. She will compete against top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who triumphed with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 win over Madison Keys, avenging her earlier defeat in the Australian Open final.

At just 17 years old, Andreeva has showcased extraordinary talent this season and aims to achieve back-to-back WTA 1000 titles, following her victory in Dubai last month.

“It was a really tough match with challenging conditions. I tried hard to hang in there. It wasn’t easy, but I’m thrilled with today’s win and can’t wait to play in the finals on Sunday,” Andreeva stated post-match.

After an intensely fought first set, Andreeva displayed near perfection in the tiebreak, concluding it after Swiatek sent a forehand wide. However, the Polish second seed bounced back impressively in the second set, breaking serve early and leveling the match when Andreeva’s backhand went out.

As the temperature dropped and winds intensified in the California desert, Andreeva regained her composure by breaking serve to start the third set. She then struck a forehand winner to take a 3-1 lead, while Swiatek’s frustration became apparent, culminating in a backhand error on match point.

“After she literally dominated me in the second set, I thought, okay, I’ll just fight,” Andreeva remarked on the court.

“There wasn’t much I could do; she was playing incredibly well. I just decided to fight for every point. How I hit the ball didn’t matter, but I had to keep it in play. In the end, it turned out well.”

The ninth seed is mentored by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, who reached two finals at Indian Wells during her playing days.

“I know my coach lost in the finals, so I’ll aim to do better than her,” Andreeva joked.

Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, sought to become the first woman to win three Indian Wells titles, but her journey ended in disappointment.

Meanwhile, Sabalenka required just 52 minutes to dismantle Keys, exacting quick revenge for her Australian Open final loss.

A double fault from Keys gave the Belarusian a 4-0 advantage in the first set, and despite the challenging conditions, Sabalenka cruised through the match. The American finally got on the scoreboard at 5-1 in the second set, drawing cheers from the audience, but it was too late as she hit a backhand into the net on match point.

“I didn’t anticipate that match would be so brief, but I’m extremely happy. A much-needed revenge,” Sabalenka said.

A three-time Grand Slam winner, Sabalenka was the runner-up at Indian Wells in 2023 and is eager to take the next step. She’s also looking forward to facing Andreeva, recognizing the rapid rise of the 17-year-old.

“It feels like I’m the older one playing against a kid. I’m nine years older than her? She’s two years younger than my sister, and I see my sister as a child. It’s wild,” the 26-year-old Sabalenka noted.

For Andreeva, the final offers another chance for revenge, having fallen to Sabalenka in straight sets in the Australian Open fourth round earlier this year.

“I’m going to aim for revenge because I still have nothing to lose,” she declared.

“I believe the match will be entertaining. Expect many winners and fantastic points.”