The end of her title defence at the Indian Wells Open 2026 proved frustrating for Mirra Andreeva, who lost to unseeded Katerina Siniakova in the third round and appeared to vent her anger on court, an incident that has sparked criticism from fans on social media.
The 18-year-old Russian suffered a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 defeat in a gruelling match at Tennis Paradise. After the loss, Andreeva smashed her racket multiple times and appeared to say the F word to the crowd. “F*** you all,” Mirra said as it seemed.
Mirra Andreeva is not happy after losing her match in Indian Wells to Siniakova.
“F*** YOU ALL!”
Not sure who the above was directed too, maybe Sinner, Swiatek or the ITIA? I can understand players frustrations. 🙏
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) March 9, 2026
The moment quickly went viral online, drawing mixed reactions from the tennis community. Some fans criticised her behaviour and labelled her a “sore loser.”
“When Mirra wins, she gives herself sole credit. But when she loses, it’s somebody else’s fault. Definitely not a tennis role model,” one fan wrote while reacting to the viral clip.
When Mirra wins, she gives herself sole credit. But when she loses, it’s somebody else’s fault. Definitely not a tennis role model.
— Nelson Ng (@nelsoncong) March 10, 2026
Others, however, were more sympathetic, pointing out her young age and the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level.
“Kid is feeling the pressure. Unless you’ve been there, no need to criticise her,” another fan wrote on X.
Kid is feeling the pressure. Unless you’ve been there no need to criticize her.
— npr40MyGuy28 (@npr40) March 10, 2026
The marathon match lasted two hours and 48 minutes and featured a staggering 42 break-point opportunities, with both players breaking serve seven times.
After the match, Andreeva admitted she struggled to control her emotions.
Also Read: Indian Wells Open 2026: Novak Djokovic Storms Into Round Of 16; Mirra Andreeva’s Title Defense Ends
“There were a lot of emotions that I was going through after the loss,” Andreeva said. “But of course I’m not really proud of how I managed it.”
“These are the things that I really need to work on soon, not in the future, but whenever I get the chance.”
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Siniakova revealed that she tried to slow the tempo of the match.
“I think you could see it in the match that I was trying to slow it down, you know, just take my time,” Siniakova said. “I’m just so happy that I finished it because my body is definitely feeling it.”
Despite the singles disappointment, Andreeva’s campaign at Indian Wells is not completely over. She is still playing in the women’s doubles event alongside Victoria Mboko.
The Russian-Canadian duo have already reached the quarterfinals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko and Hailey Baptiste.
They will next face the pairing of Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic on March 11.
