There are currently only two teenagers in the top 100 of the WTA rankings, marking a stark contrast to past eras when young prodigies like Chris Evert, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, and the Williams sisters rapidly ascended to the top. The modern game, with its increased depth, physicality, and professional standards, has made it much more challenging for young players to break through early. Age eligibility rules have further limited opportunities for teenagers to compete in many tournaments, making rapid rises up the rankings increasingly rare.
This makes recent events on the WTA Tour all the more remarkable. At just 17 years old, Mirra Andreeva has defied these trends by capturing the biggest title of her career at Indian Wells. Her performance over the past few months has been nothing short of extraordinary, winning her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai and now triumphing in California. In back-to-back three-set matches, she defeated the two best players in the world, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, securing her place among the elite. With a 12-match winning streak, she has surged to No. 6 in the rankings.
Few players under 18 have managed to beat the top two players in a WTA event. Before Andreeva, only Steffi Graf and Serena Williams had accomplished this feat. Meanwhile, the only other teenager in the top 100 is 18-year-old Australian Maya Joint, currently ranked No. 80.
Andreeva’s rise has been steady and calculated. Two years ago, she broke onto the scene by reaching the fourth round of the Madrid Open after defeating two top-20 players. Her steady ascent has included a semi-final run at the French Open and a breakthrough into the top 20 last year. The challenges she has faced, along with the tough losses she has endured, have helped shape her game and strengthen her resolve. These experiences have been crucial in her development.
From the moment she arrived on the professional circuit, her game stood out for its creativity and variety. Her ability to construct points intelligently, time the ball well, and redirect pace particularly with her two-handed backhand set her apart. While her game was initially underpowered against the top players, she has continued to develop physically, adding weight to her shots and improving her offensive play. This year, she has increased the pace of her first serve significantly, a crucial element that has allowed her to go toe-to-toe with the best.
Her evolution was evident during her run to the Indian Wells title. Against Swiatek, she handled difficult windy conditions masterfully, striking down-the-line backhand winners with precision. She even unleashed a 126mph ace in the first-set tiebreak, one of the fastest serves recorded in the women’s game. Against Sabalenka, she showcased her tactical intelligence, absorbing the power of the world No. 1’s strokes and countering with sharp serving, drop shots, and low slices to disrupt her opponent’s rhythm.
Much of her progress can be attributed to her coaching partnership with Conchita Martínez, a former Wimbledon champion. The collaboration has brought significant improvements to her game, and their interactions on and off the court suggest a positive working relationship. Martínez previously helped guide Garbiñe Muguruza to a Wimbledon title, highlighting her ability to develop champions.
Andreeva’s success is part of a broader narrative in professional tennis. Indian Wells 2025 saw two young players make their mark, with Jack Draper also capturing the title on the men’s side. The next challenge for both players is to maintain their form. The Miami Open, which began this week, presents another opportunity for Andreeva to continue her momentum. With the tour’s relentless schedule, top players have little time to dwell on past victories, needing to focus immediately on the next challenge ahead.
