Seventeen. Most of us were worried about prom dates and driver’s licenses at that age. Mirra Andreeva? She’s staring down Aryna Sabalenka in an Indian Wells final. It’s a fascinating clash: youth versus raw power. This level of pressure could overwhelm even seasoned professionals, let alone a player so young. However, Andreeva possesses a crucial advantage – the experienced guidance of Conchita Martinez. This partnership, which began in 2024, has brought Andreeva “ closer to fearless.” It has been evident in her remarkable 2025 season, including a recent WTA 1000 victory in Dubai. Now, as she aims for a second consecutive title, she again relies on Martinez’s expertise to overcome the formidable challenge posed by World No. 1 Sabalenka for a third time this season.

On Friday, Andreeva won her semifinal match against defending champion Iga Swiatek at the Indian Wells. In a rematch of their Dubai QF from last month, she ousted the two-time Indian Wells champion, 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-3. With that, the teenager secured a spot in her second straight WTA 1000 final of the season. And now she’s set to have another rematch – this time with World No.1 Sabalenka. They have met twice this season, and the Belarusian has dominated Andreeva on both occasions. Back in January, she beat her in the SF of Brisbane International. 15 days later at the Australian Open, the three-time Slam winner again beat her in the fourth round, 6-1, 6-2.

Before their third face-off this year, Andreeva is banking on her trusted trainer and former WTA pro Conchita Martinez. Following her victory against Swiatek, she sat down for a presser, dated March 14. When asked about her reaction to facing Sabalenka, again, she said, “Yeah, the matches that we played this year didn’t really go my way. Yeah, I can say she almost killed me, especially in Melbourne.”

Continuing further, Andreeva added, “Yeah, I’m gonna try to take a revenge, because I still have nothing to lose, and I feel like the match is going to be probably entertaining. There is going to be a lot of, I think, a lot of winners, a lot of great points.” But how will she control her nerves?

“Now it’s going to be Conchita’s job to prepare me well for this match,” she revealed. “I hope she is gonna do it. But, yeah, I will just go out there as for every other match and try to play my best and to fight for every point, and then we’re gonna see who’s gonna win.”

Anyone who’s followed Andreeva in the last few months must have noticed a key aspect of her performance. Temper. Remember how she had a tendency to even hurt herself after failing to perform well in the past? Back in January last season, when she made a huge impact in the Australian Open, Andreeva struggled to control herself. After ousting Ons Jabeur in the second round, she faced Diane Parry in the next stage. This match tested her patience and character to its limit.

Perry forced the match into a decider, where she was nearly on the verge of defeating Andreeva, with a 5-1 lead. The latter was then seen pulling her arm to her face in anger. A close-up shot depicted that there was a bite mark left on the arm. Although she managed to win this encounter, her campaign couldn’t stretch beyond the fourth round. She crashed out after losing against Czechia’s Barbora Krejčíková.

Since bringing Conchita Martinez, there’s been a gradual, but steady, change in Andreeva’s conduct. She’s trying to be more consistent while staying in control. Perhaps that’s the reason she succeeded in overcoming disappointing exits in Melbourne and then Doha. When she won her maiden WTA 1000 trophy in Dubai, the 17-year-old didn’t hold back in thanking her coach for her precious contribution.

When Mirra Andreeva gave a shout out to Conchita Martinez after scripting history in Dubai

At 17 years and 299 days, Mirra Andreeva became the youngest WTA 1000 champion and finalist since the category’s inception in 2009. Moreover, the victory propelled her into the WTA’s top 10, achieving a career-best ranking of No. 9, jumping five spots from No.14. Since Nicole Vaidišová in 2007, she became the first 17-year-old player to be in the top 10.

During her winning speech, after accepting the trophy, Andreeva expressed her gratitude toward her coach. “Especially thanks to Conchita. I know that I can be a pain in the a**. But you have always been there for me, and it feels great to lift this title together. And I hope that we can lift many more trophies together,” she said.

Back in January, ahead of her Australian Open campaign, Andreeva emphasized on her relationship with Martinez. “Just feels like I’ve known her for a long time.” In fact, she also reiterated this sentiment ahead of her Indian Wells campaign this month. Praising her WTA coach, Andreeva reflected on her helpful nature. She mentioned, “it’s super special to have her by my side.”

Saturday’s Indian Wells final presents a compelling test: can Conchita Martinez’s strategic guidance empower Andreeva to overcome Sabalenka? Despite Andreeva’s sole victory at the 2024 French Open, Sabalenka holds a dominant 4-1 head-to-head record, including two wins this year. With both players vying for their first Indian Wells title – Sabalenka seeking redemption after her 2023 final loss to Rybakina – the showdown promises high stakes. What’s your prediction? Share your thoughts in the comments.