PARIS (AP) — Mirra Andreeva, a 17-year-old Russian, knocked down world number two Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4 at the French Open on Wednesday to become the youngest semifinalist in a Grand Slam since the feat of Martina Hingis, aged 16, in 1997.
“I played bravely,” said Andreeva, 38th in the rankings. “I managed to win.”
She also made history as the youngest racket to defeat the number one or two at Roland Garros since Monica Seles — a tennis Hall of Famer, like Hingis. Seles was 16 years old when she beat Steffi Graf in the 1990 final.
Andreeva has not yet debuted her record on the tour and this is only her fifth Grand Slam tournament.
Sabalenka, for her part, is the double champion of the Australian Open. The Belarusian had also taken the first 23 sets in the Slams she led in 2024 until she lost two in a row to Andreeva.
Sabalenka received several visits from a physical therapist and a doctor on Wednesday, often rubbing her abdominal area. It was not immediately clear what the problem was.
When she broke to seal the match, with a brilliant lob that Sabalenka didn’t even flinch from trying to return, Andreeva smiled widely and covered her face with both hands.
“Honestly, I was really nervous before the game. “I knew she would have the advantage, especially with the crowd,” said Andreeva, whose older sister, Erika, 19, lost to Sabalenka in the first round last week. “But I was a little surprised, because you also encouraged me.” ”.
Andreeva is coached by the Spanish Conchita Martínez, who previously worked with the recently retired Garbiñe Muguruza.
On Thursday, Andreeva will face another newcomer in these instances: Jasmine Paolini.
The 28-year-old, 12th-seeded Italian reached the first Slam semifinal of her career after beating Elena Rybakina, fourth seed and Wimbledon champion two years ago, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” said Paolini, who has won two titles in his career, neither on clay.
Paolini had bowed out in the first or second round of his first 16 appearances at big events in his career. He reached the fourth round of the Australian Open in January.
She accumulated 22 unforced errors, well below the 48 of the Kazakh Rybakina.
In addition, Paolini totaled seven breaks of serve against the powerful serve of Rybakina, who added 10 aces.
The other semifinal will pit world number one Iga Swiatek against third-ranked Coco Gauff.
