Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva danced in delight after stunning Aryna Sabalenka to reach the French Open semi-finals.
The 17-year-old shocked the world number two to 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 struggling with illness, won the first set via a tie-break but Andreeva pulled off an unlikely comeback to win 6-7 [5-7] 6-4 6-4.
Andreeva is the youngest player to defeat a top-two player at a Grand Slam since Jelena Dokic in 1999.
Andreeva cut an excited yet emotional figure on the court once her victory was confirmed and was close to tears.
The Russian was then filmed dancing along to ‘Teenage Dream’ by Katy Perry as she made her way back to the players’ room.
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.”
The win will move the youngster into the top 23 and will see fellow semi-finalist Coco Gauff move up to number two in the world.
It continues a brilliant 12 months for Andreeva, who reached the last 16 at Wimbledon last summer and the fourth round at the Australian Open earlier this year.
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.
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:
- Mirra Andreeva dances to Teenage Dream after 17-year-old stuns Aryna Sabalenka at French Open
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