Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva has stunningly beat Aryna Sabalenka to reach the French Open semi-finals.
The 17-year-old has become the youngest player to reach the final four of a Grand Slam since Martina Hingis did so at the 1997 US Open.
World no.2 Sabalenka, who appeared to be dealing with an injury, won the first set via a tie-break but Andreeva pulled off an impressive comeback to win 6-7 [5-7] 6-4 6-4.
Andreeva cut an excited yet emotional figure on the court once her victory was confirmed and appeared close to tears.
Speaking after her win, she said: “I try to play brave and managed to win. Honestly I was really nervous before the match, I knew she’d have an advantage, especially with the crowd.
“I was also a little surprised as you guys cheered for me, I didn’t expect that so thank you very much for cheering me today.
“Honestly I see the game, I play whenever I want, I don’t really have a plan, when I see an open space on the court I try to play, I try to play behind her back or something like this.
“Me and my coach, we had a plan today but again I didn’t remember anything. I just try to play as I feel and that’s it.”
Jasmine Paolini will be Andreeva’s French Open semi-final opponent on Thursday after she stunned world no.4 Elena Rybakina in a 6-2 4-6 6-4 win.
It’s the furthest she has ever reached in a Grand Slam tournament, with the youngster falling in the fourth round of the Australian Open earlier this year.
Victory against Paolini could see her face Coco Gauff in the final, with the American first playing Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka had reached the semi-finals of the previous six Grand Slams, including back-to-back Australian Open triumphs.
However, she received medical attention during the match against Andreeva and appeared emotional throughout the second set.
Sabalenka’s Grand Slam record for 2024 had even sat at 11-0 but she has now played her final match at Roland Garros this year.
News Summary:
- 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva close to tears as she stuns Aryna Sabalenka with history-making victory at French Open
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