PARIS – Nineteen-year-old Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva secured her spot in the French Open semifinals Tuesday, delivering a dominant 6-0, 6-3 performance against Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea during rainy conditions at Roland Garros.
With defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time winner Iga Swiatek already eliminated from the tournament, Andreeva has emerged as one of the top contenders for her first Grand Slam championship. Her next opponent will be determined by the outcome of an all-Ukrainian matchup between Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk.
Playing under the Court Philippe Chatrier roof before a limited audience, Andreeva dominated from the start with aggressive tactics, completing the opening set in just 24 minutes.
“I’m super happy I was able to play aggressive,” Andreeva commented after the match. With her victory, she set a record as the teenager with the most Paris main draw wins this century, reaching 16 total victories.
“The last time I played her, it was a very tough battle. Every practice with her is very tough. We’ve practised 10 times already this year and we know each other well,” she explained.
“I knew it wouldn’t be easy and I’d have to 200% of my intensity and focus, as she would look to be aggressive and pressure me whenever she could.”
The 36-year-old Cirstea, competing in her third Grand Slam quarter-final during her final season, showed resilience in the second set by recovering a break at 3-3. However, she couldn’t stop Andreeva’s momentum.
Andreeva, who previously reached the semifinals two years ago, secured another break by forcing an error from her opponent. She sealed the victory with a powerful forehand shot before approaching the net to embrace Cirstea in a display of sportsmanship.
