Mirra Andreeva became emotional after reaching a maiden Grand Slam final (Image: TNT Sports)
Teenage star Mirra Andreeva stormed into a maiden Grand Slam final with a statement 6-1 6-3 victory over Ukrainian 15th seed Marta Kostyuk at Roland Garros. This was their third meeting of the season, and Kostyuk had won the last two, notably beating her in the Madrid Open final. But it was 19-year-old Andreeva who advanced to Saturday’s championship match in just 76 minutes, and then burst into tears.
Kostyuk entered the semi-final with an undefeated record on clay so far this season, including that victory over Andreeva in Spain. But the 23-year-old had no answers for the Russian ace, and her run finally came to an end.
As is typical of matches between Russian and Ukrainian players, there was no handshake between Andreeva and Kostyuk at the end of the match. And tennis legend Chris Evert questioned whether Andreeva’s nationality had crossed Kostyuk’s mind during the match.
On day one of the French Open, Kostyuk cried after her first-round victory and revealed that there had been a missile strike just 100 metres from her family home in Kyiv overnight, while her mum, sister, and great aunt were home.
When she beat fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals, the 15th seed dedicated the victory to their home country after more strikes in Kyiv. And during the second set of Thursday’s semi-final, while on commentary for TNT Sports, Evert asked: “She’s playing against a Russian player, does that even enter into her thinking?”
Nick Mullins replied: “It has to, doesn’t it? Put yourself in her position.” The 18-time Grand Slam champion also thought all the expectations were on Kostyuk’s shoulders after her two wins over Andreeva earlier this season.
“I think more importantly, she has two wins over Mirra that were close matches, and I think she’s feeling the pressure, and Mirra is playing really loose and relaxed. And Mirra is fresher; she’s come into this match fresher. There’s no baggage, physically and mentally, with Mirra,” Evert added.
Mirra Andreeva is into the French Open final (Image: Getty)
Kostyuk was 0-3 down in the second set at that point, but was able to hold serve and get on the board. And she grew into the match, getting back on serve to close the gap with No. 8 seed Andreeva. The roof also closed midway through the set, with ominous clouds overhead.
“She has a new look on her face now, Marta Kostyuk. One of hope, one of belief,” Evert said, as Kostyuk closed the gap to 3-4. But the teenager didn’t let Kostyuk’s comeback affect her, and immediately broke in the next game, giving herself the opportunity to serve for a place in the French Open final.
And she held her nerve to get it done, roaring and pumping her fists in celebration. The emotions finally hit her after shaking hands with the umpire, and Andreeva burst into tears as she waved to the crowd in celebration.
Afterwards, the emotional 19-year-old told interviewer Marion Bartoli and the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd: “I’m still very, very nervous. I was very nervous coming into the match. Obviously, she had an amazing season. Until this match, she hasn’t lost a match on clay. Of course, that puts a lot of pressure. She’s an amazing player, very tough opponent.
“I’m just, first of all, super happy with the way I played today. Then, I’m happy that I got revenge from Madrid final. And then, as well, I’m happy that I’m in my first-ever Grand Slam final. All of these feelings combined, it’s amazing. I’ve never felt anything like this before, and I’m just very excited about the last match here in Paris.”
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