The young Russian Mirra Andreeva, 8th player in the world, won her first Grand Slam title on Saturday June 6, by beating the sensation of the tournament, the Polish Maja Chwalinska (114th), in the final of Roland-Garros, from qualifying. At the end of a match lasting 1 hour 22 minutes, the Russian won 6-3, 6-2.
At 19 years and 39 days, the Krasnoyarsk native becomes the youngest player to win in Paris since Monica Seles, who was 16 and a half when she won the first of her three consecutive titles at Porte d’Auteuil in 1990.
This coronation crowns the development of a teenage prodigy who won her first match on the WTA circuit at the age of 15. Victorious at the WTA 1000 in Dubai and Indian Wells last year, she added a first Grand Slam tournament to her record in her first final.
A historic performance for Chwalinska
Chwalinska will console herself with 21st place in the world, her best ranking, which she will reach on Monday June 8 at the next update of the WTA ranking.
The Pole made Roland-Garros history, becoming the lowest-ranked player to reach the final since the creation of the WTA ranking in 1975. She is also the only qualifier to have gone this far on French clay.
Andreeva more aggressive on the court
Under the eyes of Brad Pitt, she was initially able to effectively express her unique style made of variations, between bell-shaped, cushioned balls and long backhands, which surprised her opponent.
But 3 games in, Andreeva, more aggressive, began to make her mark, with the support of a better service. She completed the first round in 42 minutes.
Once launched, the Russian left only crumbs for Chwalinska. She knew how to build up the lead by saving three break points to lead 3-0. Very close to the title at 5-0, Andreeva let two games slip away, before ending the match on her opponent’s serve.
