Mirra Andreeva clinched her first grand slam trophy after outclassing qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the final of the French Open at Roland Garros this afternoon.
Andreeva, the 19-year-old Russian, was the overwhelming favourite and lived up to that billing with a ruthless display on Court Philippe Chatrier, winning 6-3 6-2 to underline her emergence as one of the sport’s potential superstars.
After emerging on the scene as a 15-year-old, Andreeva has long been tipped for greatness but an understandable lack of maturity had previously held her back.
She warmed up for the season’s second major by winning the title in Linz and reaching the final and semi-finals in Madrid and Stuttgart respectively.
Seeded eighth in the French capital, Andreeva capitalised on the exits of Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek to seize her moment in the Parisian sunshine.
Wind and nerves affect Andreeva and Chwalinska in early stages
After a nervy start from both players that saw a number of breaks of serve, Andreeva secured a vital hold to move 5-3 ahead and then clinched the opening set with a crushing cross-court winner.
Andreeva surged into a 5-0 lead in the second before a late wobble that enabled Chwalinska to get on the board. It was to prove a brief shift in momentum as the Pole netted to hand Andreeva three championship points and she made no mistake with a backhand winner before collapsing to her knees.
”I have been watching Roland Garros on TV since I was very, very young,” she said. “It’s a big deal to win this tournament. I can’t believe I am holding this trophy now.
“I also want to thank myself for believing in myself, giving 100%, even when it’s been tough, trying every day to be better as a person and a player, believing I can do this, fighting so many demons inside of me. Only I know how tough it was for me and how nervous I was these past two weeks, so thanks to me for working so hard and giving my best.”
Chwalinska makes name for herself in Paris
The day belonged to Andreeva after becoming the youngest ladies’ champion at Ronald Garros since Monica Seles in 1992 but it was also an unbelievable three weeks for Chwalinska, who had to come through qualifying to even make the main draw.
Having started the tournament outside the world’s top 100 she will move up to 21 when the new rankings are released next week, and walk away with $1.625million in prize money.
She said: ”Congratulations to Mirra. You’re such an incredible player. You’re so young and talented it is annoying! I wish you could have seen a better match today, but Mirra was too good for me, I guess it is her fault!
“I tried my best, I am sorry! I will not forget these three weeks, Paris will stay forever with me in my heart, merci.”
