In a captivating display of resilience and youthful exuberance, 18-year-old tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva powered through early challenges to secure a commanding victory over Yulia Putintseva in the third round of the 2025 French Open. The Russian sensation, already a standout in the tennis world, captivated fans at Roland Garros with her tenacity and skill, advancing to the fourth round with a performance that underscored her growing reputation as a formidable force on the WTA Tour.
The match began with Andreeva facing unexpected hurdles, as she admitted to struggling in the opening stages. “I had to wake up at 6:40, and then I had 35 minutes to pack my bags and do everything,” Andreeva shared, reflecting on the early-morning start that left her feeling off-pace. The cold Parisian weather didn’t help, as she struggled to find her rhythm on the clay courts of Court Simonne-Mathieu. Putintseva, a crafty veteran known for her tricky playstyle on clay, capitalized early, breaking Andreeva’s serve and taking a 3-2 lead in the second set after a tightly contested first set.
Despite the slow start, Andreeva’s mental fortitude shone through. After a brief rain delay disrupted the match, she returned with renewed focus, winning four consecutive games to clinch the second set and secure a 6-3, 6-4 victory. Her ability to adapt and elevate her game under pressure was reminiscent of her sensational run to the semifinals at Roland Garros the previous year, where she fell to Jasmine Paolini. This time, Andreeva’s strategic use of drop shots and angled groundstrokes kept Putintseva on the defensive, showcasing the tactical maturity that has made her a favorite among fans and analysts alike.
Andreeva’s journey at the 2025 French Open has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 18, she has already matched milestones set by tennis legends Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis, becoming the youngest player since Sharapova in 2005 to win 30 tour-level matches before the tournament’s conclusion. She is also the first teenager since Victoria Azarenka in 2009 to achieve this feat. Her 10 main-draw wins at Roland Garros, including her third-round triumph, place her among an elite group, with only Monica Seles and Iga Swiatek boasting better records in their first 10 singles matches at the tournament.
Adding a touch of charm to her victory, Andreeva credited a “lucky charm” gifted by a fan for boosting her confidence. “I’m so thankful for it,” she said, her bright-eyed enthusiasm endearing her to the Paris crowd. This small token seemed to carry her through moments of doubt, reinforcing her belief in her ability to compete at the highest level. Her performance against Putintseva was a testament to her growing confidence, as she broke her opponent’s serve three times in the first set and maintained relentless pressure throughout.
Looking ahead, Andreeva faces a formidable challenge in the fourth round against Daria Kasatkina, a close friend and the 17th seed, who recently switched her allegiance to Australia. Kasatkina, coming off a strong 6-1, 7-5 win over Paula Badosa, presents a unique test, with their only prior meeting resulting in a hard-fought 6-0, 4-6, 6-4 victory for Kasatkina at the 2024 Ningbo Open. “She’s a tough opponent, but I’m ready,” Andreeva said, her competitive spirit undeterred by their personal connection.
Andreeva’s meteoric rise in 2025 has been defined by her ability to overcome adversity and seize opportunities. Fresh off titles at Indian Wells and the Dubai Tennis Championships, she has proven her mettle against top players like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina. Her fearless approach and tactical versatility make her a dark horse for the French Open title, with many wondering if she could become the youngest champion since 2004. As she prepares for her next match, Andreeva’s journey at Roland Garros continues to captivate, blending youthful exuberance with the poise of a seasoned competitor.
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