Mirra Andreeva delivered a commanding performance to defeat Elena Rybakina for the second time in three weeks, securing her first BNP Paribas Open quarterfinal. The 17-year-old, seeded ninth, took just 64 minutes to win 6-1, 6-2, overcoming a lengthy rain delay. Having previously defeated Rybakina in a three-set battle en route to her Dubai title last month, Andreeva was much more dominant this time, despite challenging weather conditions on Court 2.
Andreeva’s Dominant Form Continues as Rybakina Battles Coaching Changes and Season Turmoil
Following her breakthrough WTA 1000 title in Dubai and subsequent rise into the Top 10, Andreeva has been in exceptional form. She reached the fourth round without dropping a set and breezed past No. 22 seed Clara Tauson in a rematch of their Dubai final. This victory set up another showdown with Rybakina, where Andreeva showcased her composure and efficiency to dismantle the No. 7 seed with ease.
Mirra Andreeva (Indian Wells Tournament)Elena Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, has had an eventful season marked by coaching changes and disruptions. Following the reported one-year ban of her former coach Stefano Vukov, she started working with ex-ATP player Davide Sanguinetti after the Australian Open. Despite the turmoil, Rybakina had delivered strong results in the Middle East Swing, making deep runs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha. Like Andreeva, she entered the fourth round without dropping a set, but she struggled against the teenage sensation.
Andreeva Overcomes Rain Delay and Finishes Strong to Secure Quarterfinal Spot
The match took an early turn in Andreeva’s favor as she broke Rybakina’s serve in the third game. Just as she was looking to consolidate her lead, rain forced a halt in play, causing a prolonged interruption. However, once play resumed, Andreeva wasted no time in regaining momentum, winning four straight games to seal the first set. Even after an unforced error in the second set allowed Rybakina to break her serve, Andreeva quickly regained control, storming to a 5-2 lead.
Andreeva maintained her composure in the final stretch, earning two match points on Rybakina’s serve and converting the second to close out the match efficiently. With this emphatic victory, she now advances to the quarterfinals, where she will face No. 23 seed Elina Svitolina. The former world No. 3 secured her spot in the last eight after a significant win over No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula, setting up an exciting first-time meeting between the two players.