Key Highlights
- Mirra Andreeva defeated world number two Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 6-0 to reach the WTA Finals semi-finals.
- Andreeva recovered from 4-1 down in the opening set and won the final 11 games of the match.
- Sabalenka must beat Elina Svitolina in Friday’s final group match to qualify for the semi-finals, while Andreeva advances as group winner.
Mirra Andreeva storms past Aryna Sabalenka at WTA Finals
Mirra Andreeva produced a statement performance at the WTA Finals, defeating second seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 6-0 to secure her place in the semi-finals. The French Open champion won 11 consecutive games after falling 4-1 behind in the opening set, taking advantage of an increasingly erratic display from the world number two.
The 19-year-old Russian responded to Sabalenka’s early advantage with a mature and tactically intelligent performance. Andreeva initially used high, looping balls to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm before adding controlled power from the baseline. She struck 16 winners while committing only six unforced errors and repeatedly opened up the court with sharp angles.
Andreeva’s only significant setback came when she fell 15-30 behind while serving for the first set. She responded calmly, hitting three consecutive aces to close out the set and maintain momentum. From a double-break lead, Sabalenka managed to win only 10 more points as Andreeva took complete control of the match.
Sabalenka struggles to recover after early lead
Sabalenka played with taping on her knee, although it did not appear to restrict her movement. Her performance instead resembled several collapses she has experienced this season. The Belarusian made 23 unforced errors and did not hit a single ace at Indian Wells, where she won the WTA Tour title earlier this year.
Sabalenka has lost deciding sets by a 6-0 scoreline at both the French Open and Berlin Open this year, but her latest defeat represented a faster unraveling. Andreeva’s sustained pressure prevented the four-time major singles winner from regaining control after the opening set slipped away.
“I will be honest, I feel like Aryna did not have the best day,” Andreeva told Sky Sports.
“I feel like I cannot really take all the credit today – I feel like that is not very fair in some ways.”
“I’m just happy. I had a goal in front of me to commit no matter what and control the things I can control.”
What the result means for the WTA Finals group
Andreeva’s victory guarantees that she will finish as the group winner and advance to the semi-finals. Sabalenka’s qualification now depends on Friday’s final group match against Elina Svitolina. The winner of that match will progress to the last four alongside Andreeva.
Why This Matters
The result gives Andreeva a major win over one of the leading players in women’s tennis and highlights her ability to adjust during a high-pressure match. For Sabalenka, the defeat leaves her needing a decisive result against Elina Svitolina to keep her WTA Finals campaign alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Mirra Andreeva beat at the WTA Finals?
Mirra Andreeva defeated world number two Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 6-0.
How did Andreeva reach the semi-finals?
Andreeva recovered from 4-1 down in the first set, won 11 consecutive games and advanced as the winner of her group.
What does Aryna Sabalenka need to do to qualify?
Sabalenka must beat Elina Svitolina in Friday’s final group match to advance to the semi-finals.
