Mirra Andreeva Becomes Youngest French Open Finalist Since Coco Gauff
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva has advanced to her first Grand Slam final following a commanding victory against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk at the French Open.
Andreeva, who was a semi-finalist earlier in 2024, delivered an impressive performance in her 6-1, 6-3 win. She will face either fellow Russian Diana Shnaider, the 25th seed, or Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the final scheduled for Saturday.
At 19 years old, Andreeva is the fourth-youngest woman to reach the Roland Garros final in the last three decades, trailing only Martina Hingis, Kim Clijsters, and Coco Gauff in this regard.
If victorious, she would become the third-youngest first-time Grand Slam champion of the 21st century, following Maria Sharapova and Emma Raducanu.
"I am still very, very nervous. I was nervous coming into this match," Andreeva said.
"All of these feelings combined, it is amazing - I have never felt anything like this before."
Context of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Surrounding the Match
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine provided an unavoidable backdrop to the match. Kostyuk has been vocal in condemning the war since its onset in February 2022 and has criticized Russian athletes who have not spoken out against it.
In line with the stance of Ukrainian players over the past four years, Kostyuk did not participate in a pre-match photo with Andreeva, and the two players did not shake hands after the match.
Andreeva’s Rising Career and Record-Breaking Achievements
Andreeva, still early in her career, is the first player born since 2005 to reach a major singles final. This marks her second semi-final appearance at Roland Garros, having previously lost in 2024.
Kostyuk entered the match as the in-form player on the WTA Tour, holding an unbeaten streak of 17 matches on clay this season.
However, Andreeva has accumulated the most wins on clay (21) and overall (35) in 2026, surpassing all other players.
Following the unexpected exit of world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday, Andreeva, seeded eighth, is confident this is her moment after defeating an opponent who had previously beaten her twice this year.
Match Performance and Strategy
Despite challenging windy conditions, Andreeva maintained solid baseline play and strong defensive skills, committing only 22 unforced errors compared to Kostyuk’s 34. Kostyuk was unable to replicate the high level of play she displayed in her emotional all-Ukrainian quarter-final against Elina Svitolina.
Andreeva has dropped only one set in the tournament so far, during her comeback second-round victory against Spain’s Marina Bassols Ribera. Her dominant performance in the semi-final positions her as the favorite for Saturday’s final.
"Until this match, she has not lost a match on clay. She is an amazing player and a very tough opponent, and I am super happy with the way I played today," Andreeva said about Kostyuk.
"I told myself to accept everything that happens on the court and no matter what happens, I am going to fight and give my best.
With this kind of mindset, I ended up winning the match."
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