Paris: Newly crowned French Open champion Mirra Andreeva has revealed that she hoped her childhood idol Maria Sharapova was watching as she secured her maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
The 19-year-old Russian star fulfilled a lifelong dream on Saturday by defeating qualifier Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 in the French Open final, becoming one of the youngest Grand Slam champions in recent years.
Andreeva’s victory also ended a 12-year wait for a Russian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title, with the last achievement coming when Maria Sharapova captured the French Open crown in 2014.
Speaking after her historic triumph, Andreeva said Sharapova’s success on the Paris clay had always inspired her and admitted she was hoping the former world No. 1 was following the final.
“Of course I remember her winning here,” Andreeva said, praising Sharapova’s achievements on clay courts and expressing hope that her idol enjoyed watching the match.
The teenage sensation also revealed that former Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova played an important role ahead of the final. According to Andreeva, Kuznetsova sent several encouraging voice messages filled with advice and positive motivation before the biggest match of her career.
Following her breakthrough victory, Andreeva is set to rise to World No. 6 in the rankings, marking another major milestone in her rapidly growing career.
The young Russian has already shifted her focus to the grass-court season and made it clear that she is aiming for more success. Moments after lifting the French Open trophy, Andreeva warned her rivals that she is targeting back-to-back Grand Slam titles and hopes to continue her winning run at Wimbledon.
With her first major title secured and her confidence soaring, Andreeva is emerging as one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis and a leading contender for future Grand Slam success.
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