In doing so, Andreeva became the youngest player to advance to the Indian Wells final since Kim Clijsters in 2001. She also became the fifth player to reach this stage before turning 18 years old since the tournament’s inception in 1989; the other four players to do so are Clijsters, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis and Serena Williams.

Russian teen star Mirra Andreeva advanced to the BNP Paribas Open final, beating defending champion Iga Swiatek 7-6 (1), 1-6, 6-3 in chilly conditions Friday night to become the tournament's youngest finalist since 2001.

The Russian tennis star will be the youngest player since Kim Clijsters in 2001 to play for a BNP Paribas Open title.

Swiatek was visibly frustrated during her defeat to Andreeva and struggled to control her temper as the match progressed. At one point, she was thrown a ball by a ball kid and furiously smashed it into the ground, prompting jeers from the fans in attendance.

Mirra Andreeva is the fifth player to reach the final at Indian Wells before turning 18 years old, following Kim Clijsters (2001), Monica Seles (1991), Martina Hingis (1998) and Serena Williams (1999)

Mirra Andreeva defeated Iga Swiatek for the second time this year, knocking out the two-time defending champion in the Indian Wells semifinals.

Mirra Andreeva, 17, stuns defending champion Iga Swiatek to set up final against Aryna Sabalenka in the BNP Paribas Open final at Indian Wells; watch all the action from the ATP and WTA Tours on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+,

Mirra Andreeva is coming for women’s tennis. Or maybe she has already taken it. The toughest task in women’s tennis these days is beating Iga Swiatek on the red clay of Roland Garros, but Andreeva, the 17-year-old Russian,

By Rory Carroll INDIAN WELLS, California (Reuters) -Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva beat defending champion Iga Swiatek 7-6(1) 1-6 6-3 on Friday to reach the Indian Wells final where she will face top seed Aryna Sabalenka,