Mirra Andreeva is set to defend her Indian Wells title with a focus on excitement rather than ranking points. Last year, the Russian teenager defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final, securing back-to-back WTA 1000 titles after her Dubai win. Andreeva acknowledges the challenges of maintaining form after a breakthrough season and the increased scrutiny that comes with defending a championship.
"I was worried about defending points in Dubai... but when I came to Dubai the only thing I felt was the excitement of being there again," Andreeva stated. She expressed a similar sentiment for Indian Wells, noting, "I'm just so excited to be here as a defending champion... and now I don't feel any pressure defending points."
Having previously beaten top players like Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina, and Iga Swiatek en route to her Indian Wells victory, Andreeva believes she is better prepared for fluctuations in performance. "If that happens again, I know how to deal with it," she affirmed.
As the eighth seed, Andreeva receives a bye into the second round, where she will face either Peyton Stearns or Solana Sierra.