Russian youngster Mirra Andreeva overcame a distracted Aryna Sabalenka to reach the French Open semi-finals. This is considered the teenager’s greatest victory in her tennis career.
Fresh from her achievement, Andreeva admitted: “Honestly I was really nervous before the match, I knew she’d have an advantage… Me and my coach, we had a plan today but again I didn’t remember anything. I just try to play as I feel.”
Andreeva is the youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since Martina Hingis in the 1997 US Open semi-finals.
Sabalenka’s fall
In the middle of the first set, Sabalenka was seen pointing to her stomach and grimacing, indicating that she was experiencing discomfort on the playing field. Even though the athlete wasn’t feeling well, she overcame the pain and finished the match. However, Andreeva, who is currently ranked 38th in the world, came out on top, winning 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4.
Sabalenka said: “I had a difficult time out there physically. I have been very sick the last few days with some kind of stomach bug, so it’s been a challenge.” This is the first time she fell before the major semi-finals since the 2022 French Open.
Andreeva continues to up her game
This victory further solidifies Andreeva’s rapid rise to the top. She is expected to appear in the top 30 for the first time.
She defeated three-time Slam champion Ons Jabeur to advance to the Australian Open fourth round earlier this year, capping an incredible 12-month run that began when she made it to the last 16 at the Wimbledon.
Source: BBC