Mirra Andreeva cries uncontrollably after matching 26-year Serena Williams milestone to win Indian Wells
History was made at Indian Wells on Sunday afternoon.
Mirra Andreeva defeated Aryna Sabalenka to win the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells and capture back-to-back WTA 1000 titles.
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The 17-year-old made history by becoming the youngest woman to win the tournament since Serena Williams also did it at the young age of 17, back in 1999.
Andreeva defeated the world's #1 in three sets, 2-6 6-4 6-3.
She also beat the world's #2, Iga Swiatek, in the semifinal to get to the final.
She became the first player under the age of 18 since Williams (1999 US Open) to defeat a World No. 1 and No. 2 back-to-back.
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It is Andreeva's second WTA 1000 title in the last 22 days, after winning the Dubai Open in February.
In other words, Andreeva is on an absolute heater.
After winning match point against Sabalenka, Andreeva couldn't help but break down in tears of happiness and celebration.
She was overwhelmed with emotion and shared a long embrace with her coach, Conchita Martinez.
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Andreeva joked with her coach after the match, about her behavior leading up to the final.
"I know I was, as you like to say, a little brat, a little bit, in the morning," Andreeva said.
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"That's because I was super nervous. I'm sorry for that."
On her performance in the final, she continued: "After the first set, she [Sabalenka] killed me once again and I didn't know to do.
"I was a bit negative with myself because I had a lot of opportunities and didn't convert them.
"After I went on a toilet break I tried to think and calm myself down, I looked in the mirror and said a lot of positive things, even though it wasn't easy, and just like that I tried to bring myself back and in the end it worked.
"I would say I'm a little surprised that I did it [won two WTA 1000 titles] so soon, but I feel confident in my game and know what I'm going to do and what to expect from myself as soon as I go on court."
At the trophy presentation, she then credited Sabalenka, and then made sure to jokingly give herself a pat on the back as well.
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“Last but not least, I’d like to thank myself," Andreeva said. "For fighting 'til the end and always believing in me.
"For never quitting. I tried to run like a rabbit today because Aryna was sending bullets.”
Andreeva is on top of the tennis world and she doesn't look be coming down anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka loses in the final at Indian Wells for the second time, also doing so in 2023.
She too also kept it lighthearted after the match.
"I have a love-hate relationship with this place," Sabalenka said. "I'll just put this trophy on top of another one and pretend it's the trophy for winning."
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She added: "Mirra, congrats on an incredible run, great tournament, and great tennis. Congrats on having a great team.
"If I had the same team you have at your age, I’d probably be a better player by now. I have the best team right now. I mean before.
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"At your age, I was struggling to find the right coach, but you got it so much earlier, that’s why you’re doing so well. Congrats, it’s amazing to see your success.
"I’ll meet you next time on court and it's probably not going to be your win. But whatever."
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