Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva took another giant step in her remarkable rise through women’s tennis, producing a composed and commanding display to book her place in her first-ever Grand Slam final at French Open. The 19-year-old Russian outclassed Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 in a high-profile French Open semifinal on Thursday, announcing herself as a genuine contender for the biggest titles in the sport.
Playing on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Andreeva delivered one of her most complete performances of the season, combining powerful baseline hitting with exceptional court coverage to overwhelm the 15th-seeded Kostyuk in just 76 minutes.
The victory marks a significant milestone in Andreeva’s young career. Widely regarded as one of the brightest talents on the WTA Tour, she becomes the youngest woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Coco Gauff’s breakthrough run to the 2022 French Open final. She also enters the championship match as one of the youngest Roland Garros finalists of the 21st century.
The semifinal carried added attention because of the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As has become customary for Ukrainian players competing against Russian opponents, Kostyuk did not participate in the traditional pre-match photograph alongside Andreeva, and there was no handshake before or after the contest. The atmosphere inside the stadium was respectful but noticeably tense, with several Ukrainian flags visible among spectators.
Once the match began, however, Andreeva’s focus never wavered. The eighth seed immediately seized control, racing to a 4-0 lead in the opening set. Kostyuk struggled to find rhythm against Andreeva’s relentless depth and precision, frequently being pushed behind the baseline. The Russian wrapped up the first set 6-1 in just over half an hour.
Kostyuk attempted to mount a response in the second set and briefly showed signs of a comeback after improving her aggression from the baseline. However, Andreeva quickly regained control, refusing to allow the Ukrainian any sustained momentum. She continued dictating rallies with confidence and closed out the match on her first match point.
The result was particularly significant considering Kostyuk had won the pair’s previous two meetings, including their clash in the Madrid Open final earlier this season. The Ukrainian also arrived in Paris carrying a lengthy unbeaten streak on clay courts and was considered one of the form players of the tournament.
After the match, Andreeva admitted she had felt the pressure coming into the semifinal.
“I’m still very nervous, very nervous coming to this match as she’s had an amazing season, she hadn’t lost on clay, so that put pressure,” said Andreeva. “She’s an amazing player, a tough opponent, so I’m super happy with the way I played. I’m happy I got revenge for the Madrid final, and to reach my first Grand Slam final. All of these feelings combined, I’ve never felt anything like this, I’m very excited about the last match here in Paris.”
The victory further strengthens Andreeva’s growing reputation as one of the sport’s future superstars. She entered the French Open leading the WTA Tour in match victories this season and has consistently delivered impressive performances against top-ranked opposition throughout 2026.
Andreeva’s reward is a place in Saturday’s final against Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska, who stunned Russia’s Diana Shnaider in the second semifinal. Chwalinska became the first women’s qualifier in the Open Era to reach the French Open final, setting up a fascinating clash between two first-time Grand Slam finalists.
For Andreeva, the opportunity is now clear. One victory away from Grand Slam glory, the teenager has transformed promise into reality and stands on the brink of becoming one of the youngest major champions in modern tennis history.
