Mirra Andreeva Grows Into a Champion

The highly-hyped Russian 19-year-old took care of business at Roland Garros to notch her first major title.

PARIS, France — There was palpable excitement in the last 48 hours over surprise finalist Maja Chwalinska, and the crowd inside Court Philippe Chatrier had turned out for her in force on Saturday afternoon. Waving white-and-red flags and wearing outfits in those same national colors, “Poland Garros” was once more in full effect.

This previously anonymous player who had been seeded No. 8 in qualifying¹ had made it all the way to the final: could she go one step further against the player who was seeded No. 8 in the main draw?

Maja Chwalinska and Mirra Andreeva pose after the coin toss. (Photo by Mark Peterson / Corleve)

I’ll admit that I’d believed it was possible in the lead-up to the match. But as soon as play began, I instantly had doubts from the very first ball of the match.

To read about the mismatch, how Mirra Andreeva weathered stormy ups and downs with coach Conchita Martinez, and the significance of this win for Russia, please subscribe to Bounces! Our 15 percent off sale during the French Open doesn’t last much longer, so please act now! -Ben