WTA Finals: Aryna Sabalenka stunned in straight sets by Mirra Andreeva

By SABC Sport
12th November 2026

Aryna Sabalenka was soundly beaten 6-4, 6-0 by a red-hot Mirra Andreeva at the WTA Finals on Wednesday night.

Sabalenka appeared to be taking control as she exploded out of the blocks quickly, but a remarkable run of points saw Andreeva win 20 of the last 23 points to clinch the first set.

Andreeva then won 11 of the first 13 points of the second set to take total control of the match and she recorded a straight-set win to book her place in the semifinals in Indian Wells.

"That was a shocker for Sabelenka," declared Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend. "This was a thrashing. I don't know how Sabalenka recovers from this.

The final analysis confirmed world No. 3 Andreeva needed only one hour and two minutes to dismantle Sabalenka, with world No. 2 Sabalenka winning just 31 per cent of her second serve points.

Incredibly, Sabalenka won just 28 of the 85 points played in the match, with Andreeva surprised by the ease of her victory.

"She was playing very good in the beginning," said Andreeva. "She is a big hitter and likes to go for her shots. She is definitely one of the most aggressive players on tour, so I had to find my rhythm.

"After the first four or five games, I was finding my game and I am just so happy I did what I had to do until the very end.

"I feel like Aryna didn't have her best day on court as she doesn't normally make so many mistakes on a normal day. So I feel like I cannot take all the credit for today."

Andreeva's modest assessment of the match should not disguise that this was a sparkling performance from the 19-year-old.

While Sabalenka was not at her best and appeared to be struggling with a knee problem, she was also comprehensively outclassed by her young rival.

Sabalenka was rushing through games long before the end of the match as she appeared to lose faith in her ability to compete with Andreeva.

It leaves Sabalenka with a tough task to try and recover her form and confidence for a final group stage match against Elina Svitolina, where a win will see her qualify for the semifinals.