World
2024.06.06 13:34 GMT+8

Unseeded Mirra Andreeva reaches French Open women's singles semis

Updated 2024.06.06 13:34 GMT+8
Sports Scene

Mirra Andreeva of Russia celebrates after defeating Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-7 (5), 6-4 and 6-4 in the French Open women's singles quarterfinals at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 5, 2024. /CFP

Mirra Andreeva of Russia came back to upset Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-7 (5), 6-4 and 6-4 in the French Open women's singles quarterfinals at Roland Garros in Paris, France, on Wednesday.

Andreeva, 17, became the youngest player in over 25 years to advance to a Grand Slam semifinal. She was also the only unseeded one of all four players at this stage at the French Open this year. On her way to the semifinals, Andreeva knocked out two seeded opponents: No. 19 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and No. 2 Sabalenka.

"I always play the way I want to play. We have a plan with my coach for the match, but after I forget everything, and when I play a match, I don't have any thoughts in my head," Andreeva said. "So maybe I would say that my strength could be that I just play how I want to play and I do whatever I want to do."

Andreeva will play the No. 14 seed Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the semifinals on Thursday. Paolini defeated No. 4 Elena Rybakina of Russia 6-2, 4-6 and 6-4.

Iga Swiatek of Poland competes in the French Open women's singles quarterfinals against Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 4, 2024. /CFP

The other women's singles semifinal match will take place between two of the world's top players, Iga Swiatek of Poland and Coco Gauff of the U.S.. Swiatek secured a quick and easy win over Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic 6-0 and 6-2 on Tuesday.

Gauff beat Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 4-6, 6-2 and 6-4 on Tuesday to make it back to the French Open women's singles semifinals after a two-year absence.

"It's good to just keep going and not think about this match as something huge – just another match – to not put too much baggage on your shoulders," Swiatek said. "But I guess Coco is not easy. She really likes playing on clay, especially here. I'll just focus on myself and I'll prepare tactically and we'll see."

Copyright © 

RELATED STORIES