Mirra Andreeva Wins 11 Consecutive Games to Thrash Aryna Sabalenka at WTA Finals

Mirra Andreeva produced a stunning comeback to defeat world number two Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-0 at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells on Wednesday. The Russian teenager won 11 consecutive games after trailing 4-1 in the opening set to secure her place in the semi-finals.

The 19-year-old made a slow start against the four-time Grand Slam champion, struggling to contain Sabalenka’s powerful groundstrokes in the opening stages. Sabalenka broke Andreeva’s serve in the fourth game to establish a 3-1 lead and later extended her advantage to 4-1.

However, the match took a dramatic turn as Andreeva found her rhythm and began taking control of the rallies. She won the next three games to level the opening set at 4-4 before breaking Sabalenka’s serve again to move ahead 5-4. Andreeva then comfortably served out the set 6-4.

The Russian carried her momentum into the second set, leaving Sabalenka with few opportunities to recover. Andreeva broke serve early and raced to a 3-0 lead before winning the remaining three games to complete a dominant 6-0 set.

The match lasted just 62 minutes, with Andreeva winning 45 of the final 55 points. She finished with 16 winners and only six unforced errors, while Sabalenka managed eight winners and committed 23 unforced errors.

Andreeva also recorded five aces compared to none from her opponent. She converted five of her 10 break points, while Sabalenka managed just one break point opportunity throughout the match.

Speaking after the victory, Andreeva admitted that she initially became frustrated after losing her serve but managed to use that frustration positively.

“I was angry. I was not very happy with how things went,” Andreeva said. She explained that she tried to channel her frustration into serving faster and playing more aggressively on return.

Sabalenka also acknowledged her opponent’s impressive performance, admitting that Andreeva played excellent tennis during the match.

The result was another important chapter in their rivalry. Before Wednesday’s meeting, Sabalenka led their head-to-head record 4-2, having won their first three encounters. Andreeva had previously defeated the Belarusian in the 2025 Indian Wells final, coming from a set down to claim the title. With this latest victory, Andreeva reduced Sabalenka’s lead in their head-to-head record to 4-3.

The victory also secured Andreeva’s place in the WTA Finals semi-finals as the winner of Group 2, having already defeated Elina Svitolina in her opening match. She became the youngest player to reach the tournament’s semi-finals since Caroline Wozniacki achieved the feat in 2009.

Meanwhile, Sabalenka remains in contention for a semi-final place despite the heavy defeat. She will face Svitolina in her final group match on Friday, with the winner securing the remaining semi-final position from Group 2.