In the heart of Paris, under the moody skies of Roland Garros, 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva delivered a masterclass on Saturday, June 1, 2025, storming into the fourth round of the French Open with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva. The world No. 6, already a standout with two WTA 1000 titles this season at Dubai and Indian Wells, showcased her trademark baseline power and mental fortitude, overcoming a tricky opponent and challenging conditions. But beyond her on-court brilliance, Andreeva revealed a heartwarming secret to her success: a small drawing gifted by a young fan, which she described as her “lucky charm.”
Andreeva’s third-round clash on Court Suzanne Lenglen was a testament to her growing dominance. Despite a gloomy day and a shaky serve that included four double faults, she quickly found her rhythm against Putintseva, a crafty player known for disrupting opponents with drop shots and tactical variety. “Knowing how she plays, I had to be at my best today,” Andreeva said, reflecting on the challenge. After a rain delay interrupted the match, she seized control with an early break in the first set, powering through to a 6-3 win. The second set was even more one-sided, as Andreeva’s relentless groundstrokes overwhelmed Putintseva, securing a 6-1 rout in just over an hour. Her ability to stay focused and capitalize on opportunities underscored why she’s considered one of the brightest talents in women’s tennis.
The emotional core of Andreeva’s victory came from an unexpected source: a simple drawing from a young girl who accompanied her to the court. “When I was walking on court, a little girl that was with me put it on my bench,” Andreeva shared with a smile. “I think it was kind of a lucky charm. It doesn’t look that beautiful, but it’s special to me.” This small gesture seemed to ignite the fire within the teenager, who has already made history as the youngest woman to win a singles match at Roland Garros as a WTA top-10 player since Serena Williams in 1999. The drawing, placed on her bench, became a symbol of the support propelling her forward in a tournament where she’s chasing her first Grand Slam title.
Andreeva’s journey at Roland Garros has been nothing short of remarkable. Just two years ago, at 16, she burst onto the scene as a qualifier, reaching the third round and charming fans with her admiration for Andy Murray, whom she called her “lucky charm” after texting him to celebrate his Challenger title. “He said, ‘Thank you and good luck in Roland Garros,’” she recalled in 2023. “Maybe that’s why I’m playing that good now.” That same year, she pushed Coco Gauff to three sets, narrowly avoiding disqualification after a frustrated ball toss into the stands. In 2024, Andreeva reached the semifinals, defeating world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in a stunning upset, becoming the youngest Grand Slam semifinalist since Martina Hingis in 1997. “I even forgot what was the score,” she laughed post-match, revealing her instinctive, carefree approach to high-stakes moments.
This year, Andreeva’s campaign began with a comeback against Cristina Bucsa, rallying from a 0-3 deficit to win 6-4, 6-3. She followed with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over American Ashlyn Krueger, showcasing her ability to recover from early breaks. Her win over Putintseva sets up a fourth-round clash with Australia’s Daria Kasatkina, a formidable opponent known for her consistency. Andreeva’s 2025 season, already highlighted by victories over Sabalenka at Indian Wells and a strong clay-court run, positions her as a title contender. Her eight wins from her first 10 Roland Garros matches place her alongside legends like Monica Seles and Iga Swiatek, a rare feat for an 18-year-old.
Off the court, Andreeva’s charm and humility continue to win hearts. Her playful interactions, like joking about not revealing tactics before facing Sabalenka last year, reveal a maturity beyond her years. “I just go and I play and I see what happens,” she said in 2024, a mantra that reflects her fearless approach. Guided by coach Conchita Martinez, Andreeva thrives in a positive environment, laughing off challenges like cold weather or early starts. “Conchita tells me, ‘Now it’s cold, so you have to do this,’” she said. “I’m like, ‘Well, okay, it’s cold.’” As she prepares for Kasatkina, with the little girl’s drawing tucked away as her lucky charm, Andreeva’s blend of talent, resilience, and heart makes her a force to watch at Roland Garros 2025.
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