By Kenneth Madaki
Russian teenager, Mirra Andreeva, has become the youngest woman to win the Roland Garros since Monica Seles in 1992, after beating Polish qualifier, Maja Chwalinska, in the French Open final on Saturday.
The 19-year-old, who was seeded eighth in the tournament, defeated Chwalinska 6-3 6-2 in one hour and 22 minutes to clinch her first career Grand Slam in Paris.
Andreeva has become a sensation on the court ever since her WTA Tour breakthrough at the 2023 Madrid Open, which earned her commendation from Britain’s former world number one Andy Murray.
“Of course first of all congrats to Maja for these amazing 3 weeks. Passing through qualies, winning so many matches, beating so many great players, congrats to your team as well. You guys have done an amazing job,” Andreeva said, after the victory.
Speaking further, she praised her team for continuously pushing her to work harder despite how difficult it can be sometimes.
“Thanks to my team. I can be a tough cookie sometimes. It’s pretty hard to put up with me on certain days. Thank you very much for pushing me to my limits. Thank you for making me work even when I don’t want to work. You always push me.
“Thanks to Conchita (her coach), especially for sharing her experience. Giving me so much advice. I’m not gonna thank every one of you because I think that’s too much. But thanks to every single one of you on my team who supports me,” she added.
Meanwhile, Chwalinska thanked fans for their support during the tournament, adding that Andreeva was too good for her.
“I’d like to thank all of you guys who came today. Not only today but these three weeks. Thank you for supporting me. I really felt your love. I’m very grateful. I wish you could see a better match today, but Mirra was just too good for me so I guess it’s her fault. I tried my best I’m sorry,” she stated.