In a stunning comeback at the French Open, 17-year-old Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva defeated second seed Aryna Sabalenka, 26, becoming the youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since 1997. Despite Sabalenka’s apparent illness, Andreeva rallied from a set down to secure a 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 victory after a grueling two hours and 28 minutes, earning a spot in the semi-finals against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
Andreeva’s achievement marks her as the youngest woman to reach the semi-finals at a major event since Martina Hingis at the US Open 27 years ago, and the youngest at Roland Garros since Hingis in 1997.
Facing Paolini, who has never advanced beyond the second round at a Grand Slam before this year, Andreeva is optimistic about her chances to reach the final.
“I kind of see the game and just play wherever I want. I don’t even have a plan,” said Andreeva, who is coached by Conchita Martinez. “Me and my coach had a plan today, but I didn’t remember anything. I just tried to play as I feel… Having her by my side is an amazing advantage for me. I’m really happy that she still works with me.”
Sabalenka, who had been dominant through the first four rounds, struggled with her health and called for multiple medical time-outs. Andreeva capitalized on this, playing bravely in her first Grand Slam quarter-final.
“I even forgot what the score was. I tried not to focus on that. When it was the second match point for me, I was trying to imagine I’m saving a break point. I tried to play brave,” Andreeva added.
Currently ranked 38th, Andreeva has already secured a breakthrough into the world’s top 30 with her impressive performance, and her ranking is set to rise even further.
2 – Mirra Andreeva has become the youngest to defeat a top-2 opponent in Women’s Singles Grand Slam since Dokic against Hingis at Wimbledon 1999 and the youngest at the French Open since Seles in 1990 against Graf. Wow. #rolandgarros | @rolandgarros @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/3lRn6gLCA2
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) June 5, 2024
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