Tennis-LeBron 'happy to have helped' Andreeva to Indian Wells win

Mar 16, 2025; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Mirra Andreeva (RUS) reacts during the final match as she defeated Aryna Sabalenka (not pictured) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Well Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

(Reuters) - NBA star LeBron James said he was happy to have helped Mirra Andreeva after the Russian teenager credited one of his past interviews where he talked about the importance of mental strength for inspiring her to victory at Indian Wells on Sunday.

Andreeva beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-4 6-3 in the final to clinch her second straight WTA 1000 title after winning the Dubai Championship last month.