Mirra Andreeva, the newly crowned French Open champion, once admitted that comparisons to Emma Raducanu's US Open triumph 'disturbed' her. The 19-year-old Russian claimed her first Grand Slam title on Saturday by defeating Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 in the final at Roland Garros. Andreeva became the youngest women's singles champion at the French Open since 1992.
Andreeva's rise to glory
Andreeva's breakthrough came in 2023 when she reached the fourth round at Wimbledon at just 16 years old. That run drew inevitable comparisons to Raducanu, who won the US Open in 2021 as an 18-year-old qualifier. However, Andreeva made it clear that such talk unnerved her. 'Of course, in 2021 Raducanu did an amazing job. Everyone was impressed. But me, I just try to not think about it. I think it will disturb me, all these thoughts,' she said at the time.
She added: 'I just try to play every point. Doesn't matter against who. Doesn't matter which round. I just play my game. I don't change anything mental-wise, tennis-wise.'
Overcoming setbacks
Despite her early promise, Andreeva faced disappointments, including a loss to Madison Keys in the 2023 Wimbledon fourth round and semi-final exits at the French Open in 2024 and Wimbledon in 2025. However, those experiences proved invaluable as she matured into a Grand Slam champion.
While Raducanu's career has struggled to replicate her US Open success, Andreeva has taken a steadier path to glory. Now, with the French Open trophy in her hands, the Russian star can finally put those comparisons to rest.
