With a powerful performance on the court, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva outshone Aryna Sabalenka to bag the Indian Wells title. The young Russian tennis sensation turned the game around after a slow start, registering a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory to secure her second singles win in her budding career.
This win fetched Andreeva the top laurels at Indian Wells, along with a hefty prize money of £869,000 ($1.12 million). This triumphant feat followed closely on the heels of her recent victory at the Dubai Championships, solidifying her place as a rising star in international tennis.
Her victorious run in California has catapulted her to the sixth spot in the world rankings. As per the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the young gun has already amassed £3.8m ($4.93m) in career earnings. Remarkably, this total surpasses the earnings of British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu.
Despite this, Andreeva’s access to her impressive winnings is currently restricted. The young tennis star has to bide her time until her 18th birthday before she can access her earnings. When questioned about her plans to spend her Dubai prize money, Andreeva candidly revealed that the financial decisions rest with her father. She humorously added that she hopes he would spare her some money to indulge her cravings for chips and Coke.
Andreeva’s triumph at Indian Wells has seen her overtake Raducanu in career prize money by a margin of £170k. Raducanu, the former US Open winner, fell short in the opening round at Indian Wells. Yet, the 22-year-old British tennis star is hopeful for better prospects after recently appointing a new coach.
Andreeva’s wait to access her earnings may end next month when she turns 18 on April 29. However, despite her vast earnings, the young tennis star seems to have humble aspirations. Apart from a family dog, Andreeva confessed that she doesn’t have big spending plans. She expressed contentment with her current life, stating that her victories and the support of her team and family are all she needs.
The young Russian champion made history last month by becoming the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title. She doubled this feat with her recent victory in California. Tennis fans can next catch her in action at the Miami Open this Friday.