On a sun-drenched, but windy afternoon on Court Philippe-Chatrier, 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva completed the transformation from highly touted prospect into Grand Slam champion. The eighth seed defeated Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 to claim her first major title and become the youngest women’s singles champion at Roland Garros since Monica Seles in 1992.
Andreeva’s performance was clinical and composed from the very first games. She broke early and maintained control with sharp groundstrokes, effective net play, and strong court coverage, even as the conditions remained tricky with gusting winds. Chwalinska, competing in her tenth match of the tournament after coming through qualifying, showed her characteristic variety and fighting spirit but could not match Andreeva’s consistency and power on the day.
“I’m just super happy with the way I played today,” Andreeva said in her post-match remarks. “Then I’m happy I got revenge from the Madrid final, then I’m happy as well that I’m in my first Grand Slam final. All of these feelings have combined.”
The Russian admitted the occasion brought significant nerves. “I was very nervous coming into this match… I’ve had some emotional matches and some emotional moments on the court as well.” She credited conversations with her psychologist and the guidance of coach Conchita Martinez for helping her stay focused. “I told myself to accept anything that happens on the court today and today was one of those days where anything could happen. I had to fight, give my best and if she was going to win she was going to have to really work for it and fight like me.”
Andreeva’s journey to this moment has been rapid. She first qualified for the main draw here in 2023 and reached the semifinals in 2024. Coached by the 2000 Roland Garros runner-up Martinez since 2024, she has blossomed into one of the most complete young players on tour. Dropping just one set all fortnight, her run culminated in a dominant final display that left little doubt about her readiness for the biggest stage.
During the trophy presentation, Andreeva continued her tradition of thanking herself. “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, fighting so many demons inside of me. Only I know how tough it was for me and how nervous I was throughout these two weeks.”
She continued with gratitude toward her team: “Thanks to my team, I know I can be a tough cookie sometimes. It’s pretty hard to put up with me on certain days. Thank you for pushing me to my limits, for making me work even when I don’t want to work. Thanks to Conchita especially, sharing her experience and giving me so much advice.” Andreeva also thanked the Paris crowd, saying the city “will always have a special place in my heart.”
For Chwalinska, the runner-up finish capped an unforgettable run that saw the world No.114 become the first qualifier to reach the French Open final in the Open era. The 24-year-old had already defeated several seeded players, including Diana Shnaider in the semifinals. But the final was a bridge too far.
“It feels like a dream, honestly. I don’t know what’s going on,” a tearful Chwalinska said after the final. “I’m just very happy.” She acknowledged the physical toll of her deep run: “I’m not feeling great [physically]. I won’t lie, it’s so challenging to play against the best players in the world day after day, but it’s a Grand Slam, and you have to give it your all and more. I’m not complaining at all.”
Despite the defeat, Chwalinska’s composure and ability to reset under pressure were evident throughout the fortnight. “I try to stay composed because I know that it’s the best way for me… but inside there is a storm, believe me.” Her performance guarantees a significant ranking jump from 114 all the way up to 21.
The match itself didn’t reach great heights, but did featured several high-quality rallies, particularly in the first set. Andreeva broke early and consolidated, though Chwalinska’s drop shots and left-handed angles created occasional problems. The Russian pulled away with strong serving and baseline dominance, clinching the first set 6-3. In the second set she raced to a 5-0 lead before Chwalinska mounted a brief resistance, but Andreeva closed it out 6-2 with a decisive break and a strong hold.
After the victory, Andreeva fell to her knees on the clay in celebration before embracing her team. She later reflected on the significance of the moment: “It’s been one of my biggest dreams in my life, and I’m just super happy that I was able to give my best and win the match and win this tournament… The feeling in real life is so much better, obviously, than in your dreams. Yeah, it just feels looking at this trophy and realising that this is actually true, and I can call myself a Grand Slam champion.”
Andreeva also paid tribute to her opponent: “First of all, I want to congratulate Maja, amazing three weeks passing through qualies, winning so many matches against so many great players. Congrats to you and your team, it’s an amazing job, amazing work. You’re a very tricky opponent, I wouldn’t want to play you one more time… Ok, it’s fine I hope we play many, many more finals in the future.”
Andreeva’s breakthrough, combined with her growing emotional maturity and on-court composure, suggests she is ready to contend for more major titles. Chwalinska’s run, meanwhile, is a reminder of the depth in women’s tennis and the possibilities that still exist, even for those starting well down in the rankings.
Bring on Wimbledon.
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