Mirra Andreeva’s Indian Wells title defence ended in controversy on Monday as the 18-year-old Russian lost 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 to Katerina Siniakova. Andreeva, who opened her campaign with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win over Solana Sierra, struggled against the world No 44 in a match featuring 43 break chances. The contest ended when a Siniakova shot hit the net cord and dribbled over, prompting Andreeva to throw her racket and gesture at the crowd while appearing to swear.
“I’m not really proud of how I managed it,” Andreeva said. She insisted the profanities picked up by microphones were not directed at fans. “It was to myself, to everyone, basically. After the loss, I just get very angry, so I say those things sometimes to myself. It was just anger coming out, not really towards anyone.” Andreeva acknowledged she needs to work on her emotions, saying, “Those are the things that I really need to work on soon.”
Siniakova, a former doubles world No 1, admitted the net cord finish was awkward. “Of course I’m happy the ball went on the other side. I was, like, should I cheer? It’s a really tricky finish.” Andreeva had earlier thrown her racket after losing the second-set tiebreak, earning a code violation. She regrouped to lead 3-2 in the third but lost the next four games, with Siniakova saving two break points before winning on her first match point.
Siniakova will face ninth seed Elina Svitolina in the next round after the Ukrainian defeated American Ashlyn Krueger 6-4, 6-2.
