Welcome to our brand-new series, “Road to the 2025 Indian Wells WTA Final,” where we embark on a unique journey through the tournament by following one randomly selected player from the first round all the way to the final—wherever the road may lead us. In a twist that sets us apart from other tennis publications, our chosen player changes with every match they lose.
Our journey began with Kamilla Rakhimova, shifted to Caroline Dolehide, and most recently spotlighted Marta Kostyuk. In our latest episode – the final, we delve into Mirra Andreeva’s final against one of the biggest forces last season, Aryna Sabalenka.
Road to the 2025 Indian Wells WTA Final: The Grand Finale
The final chapter of our Road to the 2025 Indian Wells WTA Final series could not have delivered more drama. Seventeen-year-old Mirra Andreeva stunned the tennis world, mounting an incredible comeback to defeat world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, securing her second WTA 1000 title in just two weeks.
A Tough Start Against the World No.1
Sabalenka came out firing under the California sun, overpowering Andreeva early to take the first set 6-2. The teenager struggled to handle the Belarusian’s kick serve and made costly errors on key points. It seemed like an uphill battle for the young Russian, but as we’ve seen before, Andreeva thrives when faced with adversity.
The Comeback Begins
With the match slipping away, Andreeva dug deep. She broke Sabalenka early in the second set, igniting the crowd and shifting the momentum. Despite missing several break chances, she stayed composed, showcasing her tactical variety with moonballs, drop shots, and aggressive returns. A dominant final service game sealed the set 6-4—Indian Wells had a real final on its hands.
A Teenage Sensation Completes the Upset
The third set saw a crumbling Sabalenka, visibly struggling under pressure as Andreeva took control. The teenager raced to an early break, absorbed Sabalenka’s power, and played with fearless confidence. The match reached its climax at 5-3, and on her first match point, Andreeva fired a forehand winner before sinking to her knees. The tennis world had just witnessed the rise of a new superstar.
A Defining Moment
With this victory, Mirra Andreeva didn’t just win a title—she made a statement. Taking down Rybakina, Swiatek, and Sabalenka in succession, she proved she belongs among the elite. Her fearless shot-making, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience at just 17 years old set her apart as one of the brightest young talents in the sport.
This was the perfect ending to an unforgettable Road to the 2025 Indian Wells Final—and perhaps just the beginning of Andreeva’s legacy.
Road to the Final – Semi-Finals – Episode 6 – Mirra Andreeva vs. Iga Swiatek
In a thrilling Indian Wells semifinal, teenager Mirra Andreeva stunned world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in a three-set battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With their head-to-head tied at 1-1, both players showed resilience early on, holding serve comfortably until 2-3 in favor of Swiatek. However, as the match progressed, Andreeva’s fearless approach began to unsettle the Pole, setting the stage for an intense first-set showdown. The Russian took control in the tiebreak, overpowering Swiatek with aggressive shot-making and sealing the opener 7-6.
Swiatek, determined to bounce back, started the second set with renewed intensity. A fiery exchange with coach Wim Fissette seemed to ignite her focus, as she broke Andreeva immediately and extended her lead to 2-0. The world No. 2 dominated with relentless attacking play, forcing Andreeva into errors and securing three breaks of serve. In a one-sided display, Swiatek stormed through the set 6-1, shifting all momentum in her favor heading into the decider.
Andreeva took a tactical bathroom break before the final set, leaving Swiatek waiting and entertaining herself with some ‘air tennis.’ While it seemed like a lighthearted moment, the teenager returned with fresh energy and immediately broke Swiatek to go up 1-0. A few mishits from both players followed, but Andreeva held firm, extending her lead to 2-0. Swiatek quickly responded with a strong service game, finishing with an emphatic smash to keep herself in the fight at 2-1.
With the crowd rallying behind her, Andreeva produced another moment of brilliance, launching a spectacular winner to reach 0-30 on Swiatek’s serve. The pressure mounted, and Swiatek’s uncharacteristic mistakes handed Andreeva the double break for 4-1. The Pole, however, was not ready to concede. She fought back, breaking Andreeva to close the gap to 4-2 before holding serve to 4-3, staying within striking distance.
Serving at 5-3, Andreeva found herself pulled back to 30-all but managed to hold, forcing Swiatek to serve to stay in the match. That was when the unexpected happened. The usually composed Swiatek crumbled, missing a routine backhand and showing signs of fatigue. Andreeva capitalized, winning three consecutive points from 30-0 down to earn a match point. A deep return from the Russian forced Swiatek into another unforced error, sealing the victory in stunning fashion.
With this win, Andreeva continues to shake up the WTA elite, proving she belongs among the very best. This result not only propels her into the Indian Wells final but also raises the question—could she crack the top five by Roland Garros? One thing is certain: the 17-year-old has firmly established herself as a major threat on tour, and all eyes will be on her as she chases her biggest career title yet. Our eyes even more. She is now are next companion. We have reached the final!
Road to the Final – Quarter-Finals – Episode 5 – Qinwen Zheng vs. Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek continued her dominant run at Indian Wells, defeating Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-3 on Thursday to secure a spot in the semi-finals. The world No. 2 from Poland avenged her Olympic semi-final loss to the Paris Games gold medalist with a commanding display, reinforcing her status as the title favorite.
True to form, Swiatek started fast, racing to a 3-0 lead. Zheng, however, showed signs of resilience, clawing back a break and narrowing the gap. Yet, the four-time Grand Slam champion remained unfazed, wrapping up the first set with a confident hold. The Paris 2024 gold medallist struggled with her first serve, landing just 43% and winning 54% of those points. In contrast, Swiatek was more effective, landing 59% of her first serves and winning an impressive 82%. Yet, the gap wasn’t just in serving—Zheng often seemed mentally disengaged throughout the set.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Swiatek pouncing early and Zheng struggling to hold her ground. The Chinese star squandered multiple game points, allowing Swiatek to establish a commanding lead. As dark clouds loomed and gusty winds set in, a brief rain delay momentarily interrupted play. When the match resumed, Zheng secured another break but was unable to halt Swiatek’s march to victory.
“At the end, it got really windy, which made it tricky,” Swiatek admitted. “When the conditions change mid-match, adjusting quickly isn’t easy, but I kept pushing until the end.”
Swiatek, the defending champion, remains on course to become the first woman to claim three titles in the California desert. If she lifts the trophy again, she would also join the legendary Martina Navratilova as the only player to win back-to-back Indian Wells crowns.
Despite dropping just two games in each of her first three matches, Swiatek faced a sterner challenge against Zheng, conceding two breaks of serve. However, she closed out the contest in emphatic fashion, breaking at love in the final game after a brief rain delay.
“It was a weird match with all the breaks and everything, but I wanted to stay composed and really focused, and I’m glad I did that,” Swiatek said after the victory.
Next, Swiatek will face either 17-year-old rising star Mirra Andreeva or Ukrainian veteran Elina Svitolina for a place in the final. Given her form, it would be surprising if the player we recently added to our Road to the Final falters again.
Road to the Final – Round of 16 – Episode 4: Kostyuk vs. Zheng
Marta Kostyuk, known for her aggressive baseline play, faced a formidable opponent in Qinwen Zheng, the 8th seed.
Zheng Overcomes Break-Filled Battle to Take the First Set
The opening set between Qinwen Zheng and Marta Kostyuk was a battle of momentum shifts, with multiple service breaks defining the contest.
Zheng started confidently, holding her serve with ease before Kostyuk responded in kind to level at 1-1. The first signs of trouble for Kostyuk appeared in the third game, as Zheng fought through a close service hold to edge ahead 2-1.
The match took a decisive turn in the fourth game when Zheng broke Kostyuk after a tense deuce battle, converting on her third break point to establish a 3-1 lead. However, Kostyuk immediately responded with a break of her own, taking advantage of Zheng’s errors to close the gap to 3-2. The break-fest continued as Zheng struck back in the very next game, reclaiming control with another break to move ahead 4-2. Yet, Kostyuk refused to fade and once again broke Zheng’s serve, reducing the deficit to 4-3.
Just when it seemed the Ukrainian was regaining control, Zheng delivered the decisive blow, breaking Kostyuk for a third time! to go up 5-3. Serving for the set, Zheng kept her composure despite a brief challenge from Kostyuk, eventually sealing the set 6-3 on her fourth set point.
Zheng Powers Through Second Set to Seal Victory
The second set began with Qinwen Zheng asserting her dominance, breaking Marta Kostyuk’s serve immediately to set the tone. Kostyuk struggled to find rhythm against Zheng’s precise and powerful shot-making, and the Chinese star quickly consolidated her break.
Kostyuk fought hard in the third game, saving multiple break points in a marathon deuce battle to hold serve and get on the board at 2-1. However, Zheng remained unshaken, responding with a confident service hold for 3-1. Kostyuk managed to hold once more, staying within reach at 3-2.
At 4-2, Kostyuk faced relentless pressure on her serve and was broken again, allowing Zheng to serve for the match at 5-2. With full control, Zheng wasted no time, closing out the match with a dominant hold to secure the victory in straight sets.
Match Outcome: Qinwen Zheng Advances in Style
With a 6-3, 6-2 win, Qinwen Zheng booked her place in the Indian Wells 2025 quarterfinals. Despite moments of resistance from Kostyuk, Zheng’s ability to capitalize on break-point opportunities and hold her own serve under pressure made the difference.
With Kostyuk’s exit, our “Road to the 2025 Indian Wells WTA Final” narrative now follows Qinwen Zheng. Her next challenge is a quarterfinal clash against defending champion Iga Swiatek.
For a visual recap of the match, you can watch the highlights below:
Road To The Final – Round of 32 – Episode 3: Dolehide vs Kostyuk
Marta Kostyuk is a rising star in women’s tennis, known for her powerful groundstrokes, athleticism, and fearless play. Born on June 28, 2002, in Kyiv, Ukraine, she first gained attention in 2018 by reaching the third round of the Australian Open as a 15-year-old qualifier, the youngest since Martina Hingis in 1996.
Kostyuk’s game is built on power, precision, and resilience, with a strong serve and an aggressive style. She has consistently climbed the WTA rankings, showing promise in both singles and doubles. Her fearless attitude has helped her defeat higher-ranked opponents and excel on big stages.
Off the court, Kostyuk is known for her outspoken nature, particularly on social issues like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With her talent and determination, many see her as a future Grand Slam contender and potential top-10 player.
Marta Kostyuk started strong, immediately breaking Caroline Dolehide’s serve to take a 2-0 lead. Dolehide fought back with a break of her own, closing the gap to 2-1, but Kostyuk quickly regained control by breaking again and extending her lead to 4-1. Despite Dolehide holding serve to reduce the deficit to 4-2, Kostyuk remained solid on her own serve and secured the set 6-3, finishing with a strong hold and a love game to close it out.
The second set was a hard-fought battle with long, grueling games, particularly on Dolehide’s serve. Both players saved multiple break points, showing resilience in crucial moments. While Dolehide managed to hold serve in several close games, Kostyuk’s consistency and ability to convert key break points helped her maintain control. Ultimately, Kostyuk broke Dolehide at the crucial moment and served out the set 6-3, securing the match victory.
Marta Kostyuk’s straight-sets victory over Caroline Dolehide means our “Road to the 2025 Indian Wells WTA Final” now takes a new direction. With Dolehide exiting the tournament, we shift our focus to Kostyuk. As we continue this unique journey, all eyes are now on Kostyuk, and we remain committed to following each match through the lens of our new protagonist.
Road To The Final – Round of 64 – Episode 2: Dolehide vs Eva Lys
An unexpected twist occurred. Paula Badosa was unable to play and withdrew from Indian Wells 2025. As a result, a lucky loser had to be selected, and believe it or not, it turned out to be the most well-known one of the 2025 Australian Open, Eva Lys from Germany. She had previously lost in the qualifiers to her compatriot Jule Niemeier.
In the opening set of the match between Caroline Dolehide and Eva Lys, both players demonstrated remarkable consistency on serve, leading to a tense and competitive first set. Eva Lys, the German rising star, began serving and managed to hold serve comfortably. On the other side, Caroline Dolehide from the United States matched her opponent’s steadiness, resulting in a tight battle where neither player could break serve.
The first twelve games of the set unfolded without a break, showcasing powerful serving and disciplined play from both women. Each time a game reached deuce, both players held their nerve to maintain parity. The set inevitably progressed to a tiebreak, with both athletes still appearing fresh and focused.
In the tiebreak, it was Dolehide who took control, displaying superior composure and executing critical points with precision. Despite Lys taking an early lead in the tiebreak (2-0), Dolehide quickly leveled the score and surged ahead. Lys struggled to maintain her momentum, and Dolehide capitalized on the opportunity, closing out the tiebreak 7-3 to secure the first set 7-6.
In the second set, Caroline Dolehide showcased her resilience and consistency to secure a 6-4 victory over Eva Lys. After both players held serve in the opening games, Lys managed an early break to lead 2-1. However, Dolehide quickly broke back, leveling the score at 2-2. From there, the set remained tight, with both players holding serve until Dolehide found a crucial breakthrough in the final game. On the fourth match point, she capitalized, breaking Lys to win the set 6-4 and close out the match in straight sets.
With this victory, Caroline Dolehide remains the focus of our “Road to the Indian Wells 2025 Final” series, where we continue to follow the winner of each match until the tournament’s conclusion. Her next challenge will again be a tough test against the 18th-seed Marta Kostyuk from Ukraine.
Road To The Final First Round – Episode 1: Rakhimova vs Dolehide
American wildcard Caroline Dolehide and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova faced off in the opening round of Indian Wells 2025. The 26-year-old Dolehide, currently ranked No. 65 in the world, is known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. She was up against the 22-year-old Rakhimova, ranked No. 89, a rising talent with a versatile all-court game. Both players aimed to make a strong start in Indian Wells.
In the first set, Dolehide established control early, breaking Rakhimova’s serve in the opening game and racing to a 3-0 lead. Rakhimova responded well, breaking back to reduce the deficit to 3-1, but struggled to hold serve as Dolehide surged to a 5-1 lead. The sixth game was a marathon battle, with both players fighting through multiple deuces and break points before Dolehide eventually held serve. Rakhimova showed resilience by holding serve in the next game, extending the set to 5-2. However, Dolehide remained composed, serving out the set 6-2. Rakhimova, despite flashes of promise, simply couldn’t match the consistency of her opponent in the critical moments.
In the second set of their Indian Wells 2025 clash, Caroline Dolehide and Kamilla Rakhimova delivered a roller-coaster ride full of momentum swings and gritty points. The set started in Dolehide’s favor as she broke Rakhimova’s serve in the opening game, continuing her dominance from the first set. However, Rakhimova responded immediately, breaking back to level the score at 1-1.
The match’s intensity heightened as Rakhimova took a 2-1 lead, holding serve in a tightly contested third game. Both players traded holds until 4-3, with Dolehide showcasing her powerful baseline game while Rakhimova displayed improved consistency. The eighth game was a surprise, with Dolehide failing to win a single point on her serve.
Rakhimova found her rhythm, holding her serve to gain a 5-3 advantage, raising hopes of pushing the match into a deciding set. However, Dolehide, unfazed, broke back and leveled the match at 5-5. The eleventh game was another marathon, with Rakhimova digging deep to edge out Dolehide and regain the lead at 6-5.
Dolehide, serving to stay in the set, held her nerve from 15-30 down to force a tiebreak. The tiebreak saw Dolehide start well, gaining a 4-0 and 5-3 lead. Rakhimova failed to shift gears, and lost the tiebreak 7-3. Ultimately it was Dolehide’s poise under pressure that sealed her 6-2, 7-6 victory.
With this victory, Caroline Dolehide now becomes the new focus of our “Road to the Indian Wells 2025 Final” series, where we continue to follow the winner of each match until the tournament’s conclusion. Her next challenge will be a tough test against the 11th-seeded Paula Badosa from Spain.