“I’d like to thank myself – for fighting until the end, for always believing and for never quitting.” Mirra Andreeva had the perfect words after “running like a rabbit” to stun the world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells. This Snoop Dogg-inspired self-love wasn’t new for her either—she gave a similar speech at the Dubai Tennis Championships, and it’s safe to say, she’s earned the right to celebrate herself. With back-to-back Masters titles, Andreeva is the youngest champion in WTA history at this level and has climbed to a career-high ranking of World No.6. And others in the tennis community aren’t far behind in celebrating the 17-year-old!

Andreeva delivered a composed, clinical performance to stage a comeback against the 3-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka. After dropping the first set 2-6, she found her rhythm, flipping the match to seal a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory. Her win streak now stands at 12. Tennis players and pundits had nothing but praise for the teenage sensation on X.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka summed it up in a few words. She wrote, “Wow Mirra! Incredible 👏🏻.” Former World No.4 Caroline Garcia also congratulated her, teasing an upcoming interview on the Tennis Insider Podcast. She wrote, “Congratulations Mirra 🏆🔥🙌🏻🤩 What a performance! @BNPPARIBASOPEN. Episode coming soon, you will love it and will get inspired by a 17 years old 🤗.”

Patrick McEnroe took it a step further with a bold prediction.“Mirra Andreeva absolutely amazing @BNPPARIBASOPEN What a run. Destined to be #1…..soon. Another incredible event at Indian Wells,” he wrote. But perhaps the most special message came from her compatriot and tennis legend, Maria Sharapova.

Maria Sharapova had seen this coming. In a WTA interview earlier in 2024, she predicted big things for Andreeva. The 5-time Grand Slam champion said, “I followed a little bit of her matches in 23’ and I think she has a strong attitude [and] she has the game to back it up. Genuinely, just like her approach and her sensibility in the game. And I think she has a very bright future ahead of her.”

Now, Sharapova is celebrating her words coming true. She took to X to write,”Mirra 🤍 Many congratulations!! So poised. So well deserved. 🏆.” Andreeva’s achievement puts her in legendary company. By taking down Sabalenka, she became the youngest player to beat a World No.1 in a WTA final since Sharapova stunned Lindsay Davenport in Tokyo 2005.

Even Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the two Russians. The legendary coach wrote, “Mentally she is in a bubble like Sharapova was. Mentally cut and uses same Russian cloth of right here right now. Andreeva barring injury will be a double-digit Slam Champion and has the potential to be the Cream of the Crop of any Russian who got to the Top.”

While others are celebrating the teenage sensation, Andreeva had a few words for her coach, Conchita Martinez.

Mirra Andreeva apologizes for ‘brat’ behavior after her win

Conchita Martinez, the 1994 Wimbledon champion, knows a thing or two about coaching champions. She played a key role in helping Garbiñe Muguruza reach the top and has also worked with former No. 1 Karolina Pliskova. When she joined Andreeva’s camp, the Russian teenager was still hovering around the top 40, brimming with potential but lacking consistency. Their partnership clicked immediately.

Andreeva made a stunning run to the French Open semifinals last year, proving she was ready to mix it up with the best. Then, just weeks later, she clinched her maiden WTA title at the Iasi Open. Now, with back-to-back Masters 1000 titles, her progress under Martinez is undeniable. Andreeva, though, knows she’s not always the easiest student.

In her post-match speech, she made sure to acknowledge her coach in the most hilarious way possible. She said, “Conchita, I know, as I always say, it can be tough. Today was not the exception. I know I was, as you like to say, a little brat, a little bit in the morning. That’s because I was super nervous so I’m sorry for that! I don’t think I would be here without all of you, so thank you for being by my side.“

Now, her focus shifts to the Miami Open that commences on 19th March. The Sunshine Double is on the line, and given the way she’s been playing, it wouldn’t be wise to count her out. Can she make history again?