ANDREEVA AND DRAPER CAUSE A MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION AT THE INDIAN WELLS

Written by: Nolwazi Zondi

Mirra Andreeva and Jack Draper were crowned the Indian Wells 1000 champions on Sunday, 16 March 2025 at the BNP Paribas Open, California. Andreeva thrashed the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka 2-6; 6-4; and 6-3 to claim the grand prize.

The champion had recently beat world number 2 and defending champion, Iga Swiatek, in the semi-finals. The Russian is the third youngest woman, at age 17, to lift up the Indian Wells trophy and the first player under the age of 18 to dominate the top two seeds at the same WTA tournament since 1999.

The teenage sensation claimed her second WTA 1000-level after her victory in Dubai and has surely become one of the best players in tennis right now. The two time champion stated that she was inspired and motivated by the basketball superstar, Lebron James, who stated in an interview, “Even if you don’t feel like you’re 100% physically, I’m going to choose to be 100% mentally.” These words from King James propelled Andreeva to victory and James congratulated the young star on an Instagram story stating, “CONGRATULATIONS!!! Happy to have helped but honestly YOU did THAT!! All your hard work, drive and dedication towards your craft! KEEP GOING! #striveforgreatness.”

Jack Draper had a momentous victory against Holger Rune of Denmark, thrashing him 6-2; 6-2 and achieving the biggest title of his career. The British seed had recently beat world number 3, Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals and went on to conquer the Indian Wells 1000 crown and book a place in the top 10 ATP.

“Last year I lost here, and I felt so uncomfortable playing here. My serve was really struggling. I didn’t feel like I was in control of the ball, and I lost my way mentally last year…So I knew coming here this year is a challenge,” says Draper, who rose to the challenge and dominated the court this year.

The British’s strategy was to be fully present for each day rather than focusing on outcomes and rankings. He focused rather on giving 100% to the moment and being consistent.

However that does not mean Draper is not a visionary as he did state, “I know there is a long way ahead of me. I’m very ambitious. I don’t want to just stop here. I want to keep going.”

“It feels incredible to win here. I have been watching this tournament since I was a young guy, watching all the champions play on this big court…It means the world to me, honestly to be able to be a champion here,” Draper concludes.