’17 and Russian’ Mirra Andreeva can become better than Maria Sharapova

Mirra Andreeva has now rise up to World No.6 in the WTA rankings following her sensational Indian Wells triumph.

’17 and Russian’ Mirra Andreeva can become better than Maria Sharapova

Mirra Andreeva and Maria Sharapova (via X)

Mirra Andreeva has been compared to Maria Sharapova since the start of 2025, but her success in Dubai and Indian Wells may strengthen those arguments. The teenager put on a breathtaking display at Indian Wells, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Considering how inconsistent Sabalenka and Swiatek have been at the start of the season, Andreeva might back herself to achieve even greater things in 2025. But the real question is, is it happening again for Russia?

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The last time a 17-year-old Russian broke through in this way was Sharapova in 2004. The tall Russian defeated Serena Williams at Wimbledon that year to win her first Grand Slam title. She would go on to add four more and achieve a Career Grand Slam.

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The comparisons shouldn’t be taken too seriously just yet. Despite Andreeva’s incredible success at Indian Wells, it is still a smaller achievement compared to Sharapova’s stunning Wimbledon victory. However, these accomplishments will only fuel the discussion about whether she can become the new frontrunner for Russian tennis, just like her idol once was.

Mirra Andreeva makes history at Indian Wells

Russian star Mirra Andreeva is having an incredible year. She has won more matches than any other player in 2025. With 19 wins at WTA Tour events, she is ahead of Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys, who have 18 each. Andreeva is still not even 18 years old.

Mirra Andreeva (2)
Mirra Andreeva (Image via X)

She made history by winning two big WTA 1000 tournaments in a row. The last teenager to do this was Martina Hingis in 1997. At Indian Wells, she defeated No. 2 Swiatek in the semifinals. Then, she beat No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

Few players have beaten the top two players in one event. The only younger player to do this was Tracy Austin in 1979. Andreeva is also on a 12-match winning streak. Only Maria Sharapova and Nicole Vaidisova have had 10 or more straight wins at her age.

Now, Andreeva will compete in Miami. She wants to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year. Only four players have done this before. If she wins, she will be the first teenager to achieve it.

What can Mirra Andreeva achieve in 2025?

After Mirra Andreeva’s success at Indian Wells, she might think to herself: What’s next? The good news is that her breakthrough 2025 season might just be getting even better, as the Miami Masters is around the corner.

Mirra Andreeva
Mirra Andreeva (via X)

If she achieves similar success in Miami, she will become the fifth player to win the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami in the same season). The other players to do it are Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, and Iga Swiatek.

After that, the clay court season begins, and that is where Swiatek naturally dominates. The Pole has won the last three Roland Garros titles and comes in as the defending champion in the Madrid and Rome Masters. However, considering Andreeva’s psychological advantage against Swiatek with recent wins, she might also try to upset her on her favorite surface.

The last Russian female player to win a Grand Slam title was none other than Maria Sharapova. The tall Russian won the 2014 Roland Garros in three sets, claiming her fifth and final Grand Slam title.