French Open: Teen Andreeva ousts Sabalenka, youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since 1997

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva made history by becoming the youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since 1997, defeating second seed Aryna Sabalenka in a surprising turn of events at the French Open on Wednesday (June 5). Andreeva, 17, came back from a set down to win 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-4, taking two hours and 29 minutes to secure her spot in the semifinals against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.

At 17 years and 29 days old, Andreeva is the youngest woman to reach the semifinals of a major since Martina Hingis at the US Open 27 years ago. She is also the youngest at Roland Garros since Hingis in 1997.

“Honestly, I was really nervous before the match. I knew she’d have an advantage,” Andreeva admitted. Despite having lost her previous two matches against Sabalenka in straight sets, she played without a strict plan, relying on her instincts and adapting to the game as it unfolded.

In her first Grand Slam quarter-final, Andreeva remained composed even as Sabalenka, who called for multiple medical time-outs, struggled with apparent illness. Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, had been dominant in the first four rounds but was visibly struggling, breathing heavily between points.

Currently ranked 38th, Andreeva’s performance has already secured her a spot in the world’s top 30, with potential to rise even further. She now faces Paolini, who is experiencing her own breakthrough, having never previously advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam.

Sabalenka, who was aiming for her seventh consecutive Slam semi-final, struggled from the beginning, making several double faults in her early service games. Though she managed to take the first set in a tie-break, her physical struggles became more evident as the match progressed. Andreeva capitalized on Sabalenka’s difficulties, leveling the match by winning the second set and eventually clinching victory with a spectacular lob.

With this win, Andreeva is poised to make an even greater impact in the tennis world, continuing her impressive run at Roland Garros. Meanwhile, tournament favorite Iga Swiatek is set to play US Open champion Coco Gauff in the other semi-final, promising an exciting conclusion to the French Open.