WTA Finals 2026: Mirra Andreeva thrashes Aryna Sabalenka, reaches semis
What's the story
Mirra Andreeva reached the 2026 WTA Finals semis after beating world number two Aryna Sabalenka. The 19-year-old, ranked third, claimed a 6-4, 6-0 win in just 62 minutes at Indian Wells. Despite trailing 1-4 in the first set, Andreeva won 20 of her next 23 points to clinch her spot as Group 2 winner. Here are the key stats.
Landmarks
Key numbers and landmarks
Andreeva won 45 of the last 55 points and the last 11 games against Sabalenka. She had a win percentage of 83 on her first serve.
According to WTA, Andreeva became the first player in WTA Finals history to win a 6-0 set in each of their first two matches. She began her 2026 campaign with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Elina Svitolina.
Coach's influence
'I could play another two matches'
After her impressive win, Andreeva said, "I feel like I could play another two matches. I'm so pumped up and full of energy."
She also credited her coach Conchita Martinez for the pep talk that she believes motivated her to victory.
The young Russian has been on a roll since the start of the tournament, losing only eight games in her first two round-robin matches.
Information
Andreeva joins these players
As per WTA, Andreeva became the youngest player to reach the WTA Finals semis since Caroline Wozniacki in 2009. She is also the fifth teenager to reach this stage since the current format was introduced, joining Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Wozniacki, and Coco Gauff.
Information
Sabalenka 4-3 Andreeva
Despite the result, Sabalenka has a 4-3 lead over Andreeva in the WTA head-to-head series. While Sabalenka defeated Andreeva in Brisbane and at the Australian Open last year, Andreeva prevailed at Indian Wells.