June 05, (THEWILL) – In a stunning upset at Roland Garros, 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva defeated second seed Aryna Sabalenka to reach the French Open semi-finals. Andreeva overcame a one-set deficit and an ailing Sabalenka 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 after two hours and 28 minutes of gripping tennis on Wednesday.
With her victory, Andreeva became the youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since Martina Hingis at the 1997 US Open. The teenager displayed remarkable poise under pressure, taking advantage as Sabalenka appeared to be struggling with an illness and required multiple medical timeouts. Despite her opponent’s difficulties, Andreeva remained focused and played fearlessly to earn the biggest win of her young career.
Ranked 38th entering the tournament, Andreeva had already guaranteed a place in the top 30 with her run to the quarter-finals. However, she will now rise even higher after ousting the two-time Australian Open champion. In the semi-finals, she will face unseeded Italian Jasmine Paolini, who herself pulled off an upset over Elena Rybakina earlier on Wednesday.
The fearless Andreeva credited her mindset for the stunning result, saying: “I kind of see the game and just play wherever I want. I don’t even have a plan.” She also praised the influence of her coach Conchita Martinez, calling it “an amazing advantage.” With Martinez’s guidance, the rising star seems set for more Grand Slam success.
Looking ahead to her improbable semi-final matchup, the youngest remaining player in the draw insisted: “I tried not to focus on [the score]. When it was the second match point for me, I was trying to imagine I was saving a break point. I tried to play brave.” That courageous approach has carried Andreeva to unprecedented heights at just 17 years old.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
