Aryna Sabalenka sends ‘revenge’ message to Mirra Andreeva ahead of WTA Finals ‘rematch’

Ewan West 11 Nov 2026 10:45 AM

Aryna Sabalenka with Mirra Andreeva inset

Aryna Sabalenka has declared she will approach her showdown with Mirra Andreeva at the 2026 WTA Finals with a “rematch mentality.”

Sabalenka and Andreeva, who are ranked second and third respectively, will face off in a blockbuster round robin match in Indian Wells on Wednesday.

In the opening round of matches in Group 2 at the WTA Finals, Sabalenka prevailed 7-6(2), 7-5 against Karolina Muchova, while Andreeva crushed Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-0.

Andreeva is making her WTA Finals debut, while Sabalenka is appearing at the prestigious season-ending event for the sixth consecutive year.

Sabalenka holds a 4-2 head-to-head record against Andreeva, but the pair have not met since the 2025 Indian Wells final, when the latter won in three sets.

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Following her triumph against Muchova, Sabalenka was asked if she was seeking revenge against Andreeva after losing her last clash with the 19-year-old Russian.

“I mean, for sure, always,” replied the four-time Grand Slam champion.

“But that match (the 2025 Indian Wells final) was an incredible match. She played incredible tennis in the final.

“I remember it was a lot of moving, a lot of running, a lot of great tennis. And I’m looking forward, and I’ll take that match as a rematch mentality.”

In an interview with the WTA, Sabalenka shared her thoughts on facing Andreeva, and Svitolina — who she will play in her third round robin match.

“Yeah, both are incredible players. Against both, I had really great matches. An incredible season to both, I have to say,” said the 28-year-old Belarusian.

“Mirra is a great server, great mover, aggressive player. And Elena is, I would say, a smart player, moving really well, can be tricky, and so it’s going to be a great battle. I’m really looking forward to both.”

Asked how she would prepare for her match with Andreeva, Sabalenka said: “I’m still going to come out here, practise.

“We’re definitely going to hit some balls, and the rest of the day we’re going to keep it chill and — not too relaxed — but we’re just going to have some fun and play some card games in the house.

Sabalenka is chasing her maiden title at the WTA Finals, having been a runner-up at the 2022 and 2025 editions.