Obsessed with the WTA ranking at the start of her career, Andreeva reveals the surprising reason

Mirra Andreeva has qualified for the final of the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells. The Russian defeated Iga Swiatek (7-6, 1-6, 6-3). At just 17 years old, the young player is having an impressive start to the season.

After winning her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai, Andreeva has now become the youngest player to reach the final of the California tournament since Kim Clijsters in 2001. If she wins on Sunday, Mirra Andreeva could climb to the sixth spot in the world rankings.

A significant position for her, as it had become an obsession during her early days on the tour. The Russian even revealed the reason behind it. A promise from her mother, who would give her a dog if she made it into the top 20:

"I was always checking the live rankings because I was playing to get a dog. At the end of last year, I had to break into the top 20, and I did it by defeating Magda Linette in Beijing.

I sent the screenshot to my mom, and now I’m waiting for the dog," the Russian said during a press conference.

In the final, she will face Aryna Sabalenka, who is seeking her first title of the season. The Belarusian has won four of their last five encounters. If she wins, Mirra Andreeva could rise to the sixth spot in the WTA rankings.