Eighteen-year-old tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva continues her impressive run at the 2025 French Open, advancing to the fourth round with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva. The sixth seed attributed part of her success to an unexpected source: a “lucky charm” gifted by a young fan.
A Token of Good Fortune
Before stepping onto Court Suzanne Lenglen, Andreeva received a small, colorful fabric patch with floral patterns from a young girl. She placed the patch on her bench during the match, considering it a symbol of good luck. “I think it was kind of a lucky charm,” Andreeva remarked. “It doesn’t look that beautiful anymore because of the rain, but of course I’m going to keep it. I think it’s my lucky charm now.”
Dominant Performance on Court
Andreeva’s performance against the 32nd seed was nothing short of dominant. She broke Putintseva’s serve three times in the first set, including a marathon final game where she converted her second set-point. A five-game winning streak in the second set sealed the match in just 76 minutes.
Despite the straightforward scoreline, Andreeva acknowledged the challenges posed by Putintseva’s disruptive playing style. “She plays very interesting, and it’s a little uncomfortable for me; she likes to cut the rhythm a lot,” Andreeva explained. “I struggled with it, especially in the beginning.”
Historic Milestones
This victory marks Andreeva’s 30th match win of the 2025 season, making her the youngest player since Maria Sharapova in 2005 to achieve this feat before the conclusion of the French Open. Additionally, she becomes the first teenager since Victoria Azarenka in 2009 to reach five Grand Slam second-week showings.
Her remarkable season includes WTA 1000 titles at Indian Wells and Dubai, where she defeated top-ranked players and solidified her position as a rising star in women’s tennis.
What’s Next
Andreeva’s next challenge is a fourth-round clash against Australia’s Daria Kasatkina. As she continues her quest for a maiden Grand Slam title, the young Russian remains focused and determined. “I’m happy with the way I played today,” she said. “I knew this match was going to be tough… I had to play 100%, fight for every ball.”
With her blend of youthful exuberance and mature composure, Andreeva is quickly becoming a fan favorite and a formidable contender on the WTA tour.
