In a captivating clash at the 2025 French Open, 18-year-old tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva powered her way into the Roland Garros quarterfinals with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over her close friend and practice partner, Daria Kasatkina, on June 2, 2025. The fourth-round showdown on Court Suzanne-Lenglen was not only a test of skill but also a testament to the unique bond between the two players, marked by their signature playful banter. Andreeva, the world No. 6, stole the spotlight with her tongue-in-cheek post-match comments, joking, “I’m so, so happy that I won because I hate playing against her. We practice a lot and even the practice is a torture for me.” Her cheeky remark, delivered with a grin, set the tone for a lighthearted exchange that highlighted their friendship, even as they battled fiercely on the clay.
The match itself was a tactical affair, with both players showcasing their all-court prowess. Andreeva, who has emerged as a formidable force since her breakout 2024 season, demonstrated remarkable poise, saving three of five break points and dictating play with her powerful baseline game. Kasatkina, now representing Australia and ranked No. 17, pushed back valiantly, reeling off four consecutive games in the second set to serve for the set at 5-4. However, Andreeva’s resilience shone through as she broke back, fending off a set point with a blistering forehand and sealing the match on her second match point when Kasatkina’s forehand sailed long. “It was a hell of a match,” Andreeva said, her voice brimming with relief. “I’m super happy I stayed calm in the second set when she raised her level.” The 94-minute encounter marked Andreeva’s second straight French Open quarterfinal, making her the youngest woman to achieve back-to-back quarterfinals in Paris since Martina Hingis.
Off the court, Andreeva and Kasatkina’s friendship is a fan favorite, often showcased in Kasatkina’s popular YouTube channel, *What the Vlog*, where the duo’s chemistry sparkles through locker-room antics and candid interviews. Their only prior competitive meeting was in the 2024 Ningbo Open final, where Kasatkina prevailed 6-0, 4-6, 6-4, consoling a tearful Andreeva afterward. This time, the roles reversed, but the warmth remained, with a heartfelt embrace at the net. Kasatkina, gracious in defeat, reflected, “Maybe we know each other too good. To lose to a friend is not that bad. For me, it’s normal. I’m happier losing to a friend than to an enemy because the emotions are more negative.” Her comments underscored the mutual respect that defines their relationship, even as Andreeva playfully jabbed, “My coach says you’ve got to practice with people you don’t like. That’s why we practice with her because I hate her!” before quickly adding, “No, I’m joking, of course. She’s a great person and a great player.”
Kasatkina, who earned 170 ranking points and rose to world No. 16, praised Andreeva’s growth under coach Conchita Martinez. “She has grown a lot. I see that her serve has improved because we train together, and she keeps getting better,” she said. “Everyone can see how well she moves on the court; that’s what makes you a winner. She’s also become mentally stronger.” Andreeva’s ability to handle long rallies was evident, as she noted, “I knew today we would have a lot of long points. I felt like she reads where I’m going to play. She knew when I’m going to hit a dropshot, which side, and I felt like I was running from corner to corner a lot.” Her confidence in sustaining lengthy exchanges, coupled with newfound power, has solidified her as a title contender.
The pre-match buildup was equally entertaining, with the pair trading barbs about their vlogging skills. Kasatkina’s *What the Vlog*, run with her girlfriend, former figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, has featured Andreeva’s spontaneous charm in episodes filmed in Rome and beyond. When asked about Kasatkina’s interviewing skills, Andreeva quipped, “I think she can improve,” prompting Kasatkina to retort, “I was right. I hate her! Well, Mirra is not the one to talk about it because she took the camera in Rome, and it was terrible!” Their shared ice bath after third-round matches and constant teasing—Andreeva once jokingly called Kasatkina a “b****” on Instagram after Ningbo—reflect their playful dynamic. “This is the way we communicate,” Kasatkina laughed. “We’re just giving a little s–t to each other all the time, just joking around.”
As Andreeva advances to face surprise qualifier Lois Boisson, who stunned No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula, she carries the momentum of a 39-9 win-loss record this season and a potential top-5 ranking. Her victory over Kasatkina, combined with her earlier upsets of top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, signals her readiness to challenge for the French Open crown. For Kasatkina, the loss marked the end of her first Grand Slam as an Australian, but her grace and humor ensured the moment remained a celebration of friendship and sportsmanship.
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