At just 17 years old, Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva is rewriting the rules of the game. In a stunning display of grit and skill at the Indian Wells Open, Andreeva dismantled defending champion Iga Świątek in a thrilling three-set battle—7-6(1), 1-6, 6-3—to book her place in the final against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Andreeva’s gradual rise began long before she stepped onto the biggest stages of tennis. Born in April 2007 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, she first picked up a racket at the young age of six.

Recognising her prodigious talent early on, her family made the tough decision to leave behind familiar surroundings in search of world-class training opportunities—first moving to Sochi and eventually settling in Cannes, France. This early sacrifice paved the way for her to learn under elite coaches and quickly dominate on the ITF circuit.

Over the past few years, Andreeva has built an impressive track record that highlights her rapid rise and relentless determination. After debuting on the ITF circuit in 2022 and quickly amassing titles, she earned wildcards to elite tournaments like Monastir, Madrid, and the Grand Slams.

In Madrid, she secured wins over seasoned players including Leylah Fernandez, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Magda Linette before challenging world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka.

At the French Open, she reached the semifinals—one of the youngest achievements since Martina Hingis in 1997. Her breakthrough continued in Dubai, where she upset top competitors such as Markéta Vondroušová, Iga Świątek, and Elena Rybakina on her way to becoming the youngest-ever WTA 1000 champion. Andreeva’s powerful serve, smart shot selection, and ability to perform under pressure underscore her work ethic, all learnt under the mentorship of former champion Conchita Martínez.

With her sensational win over Świątek, Andreeva now sets up a final clash against Sabalenka. At 17, she is poised for further greatness. She is the new face of tennis and a true inspiration.

Her journey began when she was just six years old with a simple dream. Today, she is a record-breaking champion. Her story shows that raw talent and hard work can create legends. Andreeva showcases her resilience to gradual growth in the world of tennis.