LeBron James congratulates Mirra Andreeva on social media after her stunning Indian Wells victory.
Mirra Andreeva, the 17-year-old tennis sensation from Russia, made headlines over the weekend after her thrilling win at the Indian Wells Masters, where she defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Coming back from behind, Andreeva won the match with scores of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, making her the tournament’s third-youngest female champion, following legends Martina Hingis and Serena Williams.
James, who is not only one of the biggest stars of the NBA but also serves as inspiration for budding athletes across various sports, shared his support on Instagram. On March 17, James posted, “Congratulations! YOU did THAT!! All your hard work, drive, and dedication toward your craft. KEEP GOING! #striveforgreatness,” responding to Andreeva’s earlier admission of the influence his interviews had on her mental preparation for the match.
During her post-match interview, Andreeva expressed how James’s advice about resilience and mental strength fueled her determination. She recalled, “He said it’s easy to be confident when everything goes your way, but what makes you a champion is giving your best when you don’t feel great. So I tried to do the same today.”
Andreeva’s recent victory marks her second consecutive WTA 1000 title, after triumphing at the Dubai Open just two weeks prior. This achievement positions her as the youngest woman since 1997 to secure back-to-back victories at this level, alongside being the youngest champion at Indian Wells since Hingis.
With this win, Andreeva not only continues her ascent but enters the conversation alongside the best female players today. She is currently ranked No. 11, and this victory guarantees her entry back to the top six players within the WTA rankings. Ahead of the Miami Open, which starts on March 21, 2025, she will look to expand her record of 12 consecutive match wins — the longest streak by any player this year.
James’s Instagram recognition of Andreeva is just one example of cross-sport camaraderie and mentorship. Andreeva mentioned these words inspired her strategy against Sabalenka, especially after facing challenges, including losing the opening set. “I listened to LeBron James and he said, even if you're not 100% physically, you choose to be 100% mentally,” she said.
Former tennis star Maria Sharapova also joined the accolades for Andreeva, stating, “Many congratulations! You are poised to achieve great things. This win is so well-deserved.” Sharapova’s support isn’t surprising, as she has often highlighted Andreeva’s talent and mentioned her predictions about the young star’s potential to dominate the sport.
On her way to the Indian Wells title, Andreeva defeated some of the best players on the tour, including ranked no. 7 Elena Rybakina and defending champion Iga Swiatek. Her match against Sabalenka included fierce exchanges, as she had to overcome both the mental and physical demands of high-stakes competition.
Playing against such high-caliber players required exceptional resilience, and doing so helped provide Andreeva with the confidence boost needed to secure her first WTA 1000 crown. The intensity of the moments brought out her competitive spirit, which she expressed with her characteristic flair. “I would again like to thank myself for fighting until the end and always believing in me and for never quitting,” she humorously stated after the match.
Andreeva’s accomplishments do not merely highlight her skills as a player but also mark her as one of the sport’s newest stars. With increased attention and the weight of expectations, she has handled her rise with impressive maturity, attributing bits of her success to those she admires, including LeBron James.
With eyes now focused on the upcoming Miami Open, Andreeva seeks to maintain the momentum and possibly achieve the rare feat of winning three consecutive WTA 1000 titles—a significant mark of excellence only previously attained by champions like Iga Swiatek.
Jack Draper also grabbed headlines at Indian Wells after he secured his first ATP Masters 1000 title with a victory over Holger Rune. The British player had overcome previous challenges and injuries which had hindered his development and now moves up to a career-high ATP ranking of seventh.
Draper’s significant win complements Andreeva’s triumph; both exemplify rising talent under pressure. They stand on the precipice of their careers, poised to leave lasting impacts on their respective tours as they showcase skill, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of success.
Andreeva and Draper’s recent wins at Indian Wells may signal the dawn of a new generation of athletes, one where young talent is ready to challenge established greatness, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved on the court. The future of tennis seems not just promising but thrillingly competitive.
