The eighth-seeded Andreeva barely broke a sweat on Court Philippe-Chatrier as she produced a clinical performance to claim her maiden Grand Slam crown with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Poland’s Maja Chwalinska.

Andreeva needed just one hour and 22 minutes to etch her name into the history books, becoming the youngest women’s singles champion in Paris since Monica Seles won her third consecutive French Open title in 1992 at the age of 18.

Mirra Andreeva. Photo: Philippe Montigny/FFT

Her rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Andreeva first arrived on the Grand Slam stage after qualifying for the Roland-Garros main draw in 2023. That same year, at just 16 years old, she stunned the tennis world with a breakthrough run to the semi-finals, announcing herself as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.

The current world No 8 entered the final carrying the weight of expectation, but showed maturity far beyond her years.

The opening stages were tense, with the first five games featuring lengthy rallies as both players battled gusty conditions and the pressure of a maiden Grand Slam final. Once Andreeva found her rhythm, however, the contest quickly swung in her favour.

Maja Chwalinska. Photo: Philippe Montigny/FFT

Trailing 3-2 in the opening set, the teenager reeled off ten of the next 12 games to take complete control. She sealed victory with a stunning backhand winner on match point before collapsing onto the famous red clay in celebration as the Paris crowd rose to applaud a new champion.

For Chwalinska, who entered the tournament through qualifying, it was nevertheless a breakthrough fortnight. The 23-year-old is set to climb from world No 114 to No 21 when the new WTA rankings are released on Monday.

Speaking after her historic victory, an emotional Andreeva said winning the French Open had always been her dream.

“It’s very special for me. I’ve been watching Roland-Garros on TV since I was very young,” said Andreeva. “It’s been a big dream of mine, and I can’t believe I’m holding this trophy right now.

“I also want to thank myself for believing in myself, always giving 100 percent, even when it’s tough, trying every day to be better as a player and a person, believing and fighting through so many demons inside me.

“Only I know how tough it was for me and how nervous I was throughout these two weeks. Thanks to myself as well for working so hard and always giving my best.”

Alexander Zverev. Photo: Jean-Charles Caslot/FFT

Attention now turns to Sunday’s men’s singles final, where another first-time Grand Slam champion will be crowned. Germany’s Alexander Zverev takes on Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a fascinating showdown.

While Zverev is a four-time Grand Slam finalist and the 2020 Olympic champion, he is still chasing his first major title. His closest call came in 2024 when he fell to Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final. For Cobolli, it will be his first appearance in a Grand Slam final after continuing his rapid rise through the ranks.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg