All grown up: Mirra Andreeva ‘mentally and physically’ stronger at French Open

Russia's Mirra Andreeva celebrates her victory over Australia's Daria Kasatkina. PHOTO: AFP

UPDATED Jun 03, 2025, 02:01 PM

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PARIS – Mirra Andreeva believes she has finally grown up as a player, as the Russian teenager got the better of regular practice partner Daria Kasatkina on June 2 to reach the French Open quarter-finals for a second consecutive year.

The 18-year-old, seeded sixth at Roland Garros, earned a 6-3, 7-5 win against Russian-born Kasatkina, the world No. 17 who now competes for Australia.

She will next take on 361st-ranked Frenchwoman Lois Boisson who shocked third seed Jessica Pegula.

“I think I am much stronger than I was two years ago,” Andreeva said.

“I think that for me, the most important two points that changed is I improved physically and also mentally. I’m much more positive right now on the court, and I think that also is one of the keys for me.

“And yeah, I’m always trying to now fight for every point no matter what happens.”

She reached the semi-finals last year with a shock quarter-final win over Aryna Sabalenka, and she is hoping for another strong performance with both Sabalenka and reigning champion Iga Swiatek in the other half of the draw.

“I was prepared for the battle, last time we played each other I lost in three sets and it was a pretty dramatic match,” said Andreeva, who suffered a tearful loss to Kasatkina in the Ningbo final last year in China.

“I don’t know what changed, but today... It gives me confidence. I’m happy I closed the match in two sets.”

Kasatkina believes world No. 6 Andreeva, who already has three WTA titles to her name, is hitting her stride.

“Honestly, I feel like she’s taller and taller every single week,” said the 28-year-old.

“I see a lot with the serve that she’s improving because of practising a lot, so I see that her serve improving every time. Mentally she became stronger as well, but this is something I see every time we are hitting the practice court.”

For herself, she is feeling the love like never before after her the bold decision to switch nationalities.

After a spell as a neutral athlete, with Russians and Belarusians banned from competing on tour under their own flags over Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Kasatkina’s application for permanent residency was accepted by Australia earlier in 2025.

The 28-year-old, who has not returned to Russia after coming out as gay and speaking out against the war, has found plenty of new fans at events, and said following her loss to Andreeva that it was a new experience.

“Honestly, it’s been a good result, first of all, but also I felt super good, to step on the court as an Australian player,” Kasatkina said.

“To feel the support from the stands... On social media, I’m getting a lot of support from the Australians. They’re so happy to welcome me and are happy for me. This support which I honestly didn’t have before.

“It feels like it’s something new to me, but it feels so nice. There could be better results. Always could be better, but I think it’s a good start.” AFP, REUTERS

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