Stunning Triumph: Teenage Sensation Mirra Andreeva Shocks World No. 1, Matching 26-Year Record Set by Serena Williams

In a stunning display of resilience, Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva overcame top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the BNP Paribas Open on Monday. This victory makes the 17-year-old the youngest champion of the tournament since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 1999.

Currently ranked 11th, Andreeva now boasts an impressive record of 19 wins and 3 losses this season, the highest number of victories for any female player on tour, and she has claimed her second Masters 1000 title of 2025.

Her first Master’s title came at Dubai in February, subsequently propelling her into the top 10 for the very first time.

Andreeva is set to make her return to that elite tier in the WTA rankings released on Tuesday.

Following a challenging first set against the three-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka, Andreeva showed frustration by slamming a ball into the stands after dropping the set.

With her shoulder strapped, Andreeva displayed marked improvement in the second set, especially on her serve, racking up a 17-7 advantage in winners. She secured the second set, marking her first hold at love for the day with a powerful ace.

Just under ninety minutes into the match, the players entered the decisive third set.

Andreeva started strong, breaking Sabalenka with ease at love.

After breaking, she quickly took a 1-0 lead with a stellar passing shot that left Sabalenka scrambling.

In no time, Andreeva extended her lead to 4-2 and maintained her composure until the end.

She clinched the match with a final forehand winner before dropping to her knees, covering her face in disbelief.

This marked her fifth straight victory over a top-10 player, pushing her record to 9-5 against such opponents since 2024 began.

Andreeva’s impressive run includes two victories over both Sabalenka and second-ranked Iga Swiatek, the five-time Grand Slam champion who was defeated by Andreeva in the Indian Wells semi-finals.

At this tournament, Andreeva became the first player under the age of 18 to defeat both the world No. 1 and No. 2 in a WTA event since Williams accomplished the same at the 1999 US Open, taking down Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis.

Additionally, she is the youngest player to capture a WTA title by vanquishing the No. 1 ranked player in a final since Maria Sharapova triumphed over Davenport in Tokyo in 2005.