Andreeva wins first Grand Slam title at French Open

PARIS: Mirra Andreeva claimed her first Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating Poland’s Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 in the French Open women’s singles final.

The 19-year-old Russian became the youngest women’s singles champion at Roland Garros since Monica Seles, who was 18 when she won her third successive Paris title in 1992. With the victory, Andreeva also became the first male or female player born after 2005 to secure a Grand Slam crown.

The Coupe Suzanne Lenglen is the biggest prize yet in Andreeva’s growing collection, which already includes two WTA 1000 titles. Speaking after the match, she said she had long dreamed of lifting the trophy in Paris and thanked her team, including her psychologist.

Andreeva also praised her opponent after Chwalinska’s remarkable run to the final from qualifying. The Polish player won nine matches in Paris to become the first qualifier in the Open era to reach the French Open final.

Speaking on court, Andreeva said:

“I’ve been watching Roland Garros on TV since I was very, very young, so it’s also a big dream of mine to win this tournament and I honestly cannot believe that I’m holding this trophy right now.”

She added:

“Congrats to Maja for these amazing three weeks, passing through qualies, winning so many matches, beating so many great players.”

Chwalinska’s breakthrough run

Although she fell short in the final, Chwalinska completed a breakthrough tournament. The world number 114 is now set to rise to 21 in the rankings, a jump that will ensure regular entry into the sport’s biggest events.

Reflecting on her run, Chwalinska said:

“I will definitely not forget these three weeks,” she said. “Paris will stay forever in my heart.”

She also congratulated Andreeva and her team after the match.

“Congrats to Mirra, you’re such an incredible player. You’re so young and talented, it’s so annoying.”

“Congrats to you, congrats to your team for an amazing job, and I wish you all the best in the future.

“I wish (the spectators) could see a better match today, but Mirra was just too good for me, so I guess it’s her fault.”

How the final unfolded

Chwalinska showed early signs of nerves, sending two serves into the net on the opening point. Both players initially struggled to settle in blustery conditions on centre court, and the match began with four straight breaks of serve.

After each player managed a hold, Andreeva gradually took control through greater consistency, reeling off three consecutive games. Chwalinska had an opportunity to respond immediately, helped by two Andreeva errors and a finely judged drop shot, but the Russian held firm in a hard-fought game.

From there, Andreeva moved decisively ahead. Chwalinska managed to hold for 5-1 and even broke when Andreeva first served for the match, but the Russian responded straight away in the next game to seal the title.

A backhand winner brought the contest to an end, with Andreeva dropping to her knees in celebration. In doing so, she bettered the best Roland Garros singles result of her coach Conchita Martinez, who finished runner-up in Paris in 2000.

Mary Pierce, who beat Martinez in that final, was present for the trophy presentation, prompting a light-hearted remark from the new champion.

“I don’t know if I should thank you, Mary, as you beat my coach here in the final,”

“But I’m joking of course, thank you so much! “