Mandatory Credits: Imagn Images

Indian Wells Champ Mirra Andreeva Makes Shock Exit Against Amanda Anisimova in Miami Open R3

Amanda Anisimova will take on Emma Raducanu in the Round of 16.

Mandatory Credits: Imagn Images

In yet another upset of mammoth proportions, the in-form Indian Wells winner Mirra Andreeva was dumped out of the 2025 Miami Open on Sunday. American powerhouse Amanda Anisimova proved to be kryptonite for the Russian, as the 7-6(5) 2-6 6-3 scoreline handed Andreeva her first loss in three tournaments.

Andreeva has been flying an all-time high in her young career since early 2025. Aged 17, she won Dubai and Indian Wells back-to-back and had a 13-match winning streak going for her. Yet, Anisimova gave the world a rare sight of what it looks like to overpower Mirra with terrific serves and groundstrokes.

The match-up between two of the top players this season didn’t disappoint. Andreeva and Anisimova are the only two women with WTA-1000 titles in 2025, and they showed why that’s the case. While the teenager hinted at a possible comeback in the encounter, her opponent refused to give in. Backed by her home fans, Anisimova surged to her maiden Round of 16 in Miami.

Andreeva-Anisimova Miami Open Round of 32 Lives Up to the Hype

Although it was built up to be a blockbuster battle, nobody knew what to expect when Andreeva and Anisimova locked horns. It was a topsy turvy match through and through – serving for the opening set at 5-4, Andreeva was broken to love and went on to lose the tiebreaker. However, she managed to bounce back in Set-2 and comfortably claimed it 6-2 to send the match into a decider.

Despite the match being all squared up, coach Conchita Martinez looked mildly nervous for Andreeva. In the final set, it was the 17-year-old who looked set for an early advantage – she had two chances to break for a 2-0 lead but couldn’t capitalise. Amanda saved more break points in her next service game to go up 3-1.

In the end, it was the 23-year-old American who used her power and accuracy to the fullest on the rather slow courts that the Miami Gardens has to offer this year. The Doha champion put away a drive volley to emerge as the victor – celebrating it with a loud grunt and clenched fists.

Amanda Anisimova Hits Back at Mirra Andreeva After Mid-Match Controversy

With the tension and nerves kicking in, Amanda Anisimova requested for the physio at 3-1 in the final set due to a blister. The umpire allowed for medical treatment as per the rules. An annoyed Andreeva suggested that “we all know why” Anisimova was taking the timeout – hinting at a stoppage of play/momentum from the American.

March Madness, or Miami Madness 🎭

Scenes on stadium court as Anisimova decides to call for the trainer mid game of Andreeva’s serve ⤵️

Mirra was not pleased.#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/112T4k4gv8
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 24, 2025

After the match, Anisimova took to social media to clap back at Andreeva. “‘We all know why’ at 3-1 up was a good one coming from the 1-2 first set medical,” she laid out. Andreeva would go on to hold at 1-3, but eventually fell short in the heated encounter.

“I was trying to pick up my rhythm after that [Andreeva’s medical timeout],” Anisimova said in a post-match interview. “I was happy with the way I was able to fight and stay focused.” The 2019 Roland Garros semi-finalist’s reward is a spot in the Round of 16, where she will face Emma Raducanu. The former US Open champion beat Anisimova 6-3 7-5 in their Australian Open R2 earlier this year.

As the seeds keep tumbling, it is an obstacle course until the end at the 2025 Miami Open. Who can stay on track to climb the summit and capture the title remains to be seen.

Amanda Anisimova

Emma Raducanu

Miami Open

Mirra Andreeva

WTA

Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.