The red clay of Roland Garros has once again witnessed the rise of a teenage prodigy, as 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva stormed into the French Open quarterfinals with a breathtaking performance that has drawn comparisons to tennis legend Martina Hingis. In a thrilling fourth-round clash, the Russian sixth seed outlasted No. 17 seed Daria Kasatkina, securing a 6-3, 7-5 victory to reach her second consecutive quarterfinal at the clay-court Grand Slam. This achievement marks Andreeva as the youngest player to reach back-to-back Roland Garros quarterfinals since Hingis accomplished the feat in 1997 and 1998, cementing her status as one of the sport’s brightest emerging stars.
Andreeva’s journey to the last eight was a display of resilience and tactical brilliance. Facing Kasatkina, a formidable opponent with whom she shares a complicated history, the match was a test of both skill and mental fortitude. The first set saw Andreeva seize control, breaking Kasatkina’s serve in the eighth game and holding firm to take it 6-3. The second set proved more challenging, with Kasatkina rallying to a 5-3 lead, threatening to force a decider. But Andreeva, showcasing the poise of a seasoned veteran, battled back, winning four consecutive games to clinch the match. “It was a hell of a match,” Andreeva said, her voice tinged with relief and exhilaration. “Honestly, I’m so so happy I won, I hate playing against her. We practice a lot and even practice is a torture for me.” Their shared training sessions at the Elite Tennis Center in Cannes made the victory bittersweet, as Andreeva admitted the personal challenge of facing a friend and practice partner.
This triumph adds to Andreeva’s remarkable 2025 season, which has seen her claim WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, defeating heavyweights like Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Aryna Sabalenka along the way. Her 19-3 record this year, including 19 main-draw wins, leads the WTA Tour, and her 9-5 record against top-10 players underscores her fearlessness. At 18 years and 26 days, Andreeva has now won 10 main-draw matches at Roland Garros, a feat that places her alongside Hingis, who achieved similar success at 16 in 1997. “I always liked the way Martina Hingis was playing,” Andreeva once noted, citing the Swiss star’s smart, tactical game as an inspiration for her own versatile style, which blends precise shot-making with exceptional court awareness.
Andreeva’s path to the quarterfinals was paved with dominant performances, including a 6-3, 6-1 third-round rout of Yulia Putintseva, where she credited a “lucky charm”—a colorful fabric patch gifted by a young fan—for boosting her confidence. “When I was walking on court, a little girl put a drawing on my bench and I kept it. It’s my lucky charm,” she said, expressing gratitude to the anonymous supporter. “Wherever that little girl is, I want to thank her because it is my lucky charm.” This charm, coupled with her tactical acumen under the guidance of coach Conchita Martinez, has propelled Andreeva through a tournament where she has yet to drop a set.
Her previous Roland Garros campaigns add context to her current success. In 2023, as a qualifier, she reached the third round, and in 2024, she stunned the tennis world by defeating Sabalenka to reach the semifinals at just 17, becoming the youngest Grand Slam semifinalist since Hingis in 1997. Though she fell to Jasmine Paolini in that semifinal, Andreeva’s ability to compete on the biggest stages has only grown. Her next challenge is a quarterfinal clash against either No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula or French wildcard Lois Boisson, a matchup that could test her mettle as she aims for another deep run.
Andreeva’s game, often likened to Hingis for its strategic depth, relies on her ability to neutralize opponents’ power with precise, flat shots and instinctive positioning. Anton Dubrov, coach of Sabalenka, praised her, saying, “Her game reminds me of Martina Hingis: she understands the court better than the vast majority of players.” This tactical prowess, combined with her growing aggression—she’s learning to finish points at the net, inspired by Hingis—makes her a formidable force on clay. With a potential semifinal showdown against Coco Gauff looming, Andreeva’s fearless approach and 2025 form suggest she could go even further.
As Roland Garros buzzes with excitement, Andreeva’s historic achievement has sparked comparisons to tennis’s teen queens of the past, from Hingis to Maria Sharapova. Her 30th match win of 2025, achieved against Putintseva, also places her alongside Sharapova as one of the youngest to reach that milestone before the French Open’s conclusion. With the support of Martinez, a 1994 Wimbledon champion, and a global fanbase captivated by her poise, Andreeva is not just chasing history but writing it. As she steps onto the clay for her next battle, the tennis world watches eagerly, wondering if this teenage sensation can claim her first Grand Slam title and etch her name among the sport’s immortals.
Leave a Reply