Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shocking collapse at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, falling to a 6-4 6-0 defeat against Mirra Andreeva on Wednesday. The World No 2, who reached the US Open final last month, started strongly by breaking Andreeva in the fourth game to lead 3-1 in the opener. However, the 19-year-old French Open champion responded with three consecutive games to level at 4-4, before breaking Sabalenka again to close out the first set. The second set was a complete rout, with Andreeva dominating every rally to secure her second straight Group 2 victory and advance as group winner.
World No 2 collapses in second set as 19-year-old French Open champion advances to semi-finals
The result eliminates Karolina Muchova from semi-final contention after her 3-6 6-2 6-2 loss to Elina Svitolina earlier in the day. Svitolina staged a resilient comeback to keep her tournament hopes alive, setting up a decisive clash with Sabalenka on Friday. That final group match will determine which player secures the remaining spot in the last four, with both athletes fighting for their lives in a high-stakes encounter. Muchova’s exit leaves the group table tight, forcing Sabalenka to win against Svitolina to guarantee progression.
Andreeva’s performance marks a significant statement in her title defense, showcasing her ability to handle pressure against top-tier opponents. The 19-year-old’s 6-0 second set highlights her current form and tactical superiority over Sabalenka, who must now regroup quickly. Fans can catch the remainder of the WTA Finals action this week on Sky Sports Tennis, where the semi-finalists will be finalized. The tournament’s intensity continues as players battle for a place in the championship match, with Andreeva now poised to face the winner of the upcoming Group 1 decider.
Source: Sky Sports
