Thanks to a clear and almost flawless performance, Mirra Andreeva played her way into the final of the French Open. Marta Kostyuk lost on clay for the first time this season with 1:6 and 3:6 on Thursday afternoon.
It was the 35th victory of the year for the world number eight, no player on the tour has more. Andreeva, who failed in the semi-finals in Paris two years ago against the Italian Jasmine Paolini, is also ahead with her record of 21:3 on clay. The second semi-final will then take place on Court Philippe Chatrier between the Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska and the Russian Diana Schnaider.
“I’m still very nervous but very happy with the way I played today”said a visibly relieved Andreeva: “I’ve never felt anything like that. I’m really looking forward to the last game in Paris.” And the winner also had nothing but praise for her opponent: “She’s having a great season and is a great player.”
For Marta Kostjuk, the defeat ended her previously perfect clay court season; she suffered her first defeat in the 17th game of the year. Also because she made a total of 34 unforced errors and repeatedly struggled with the difficult wind conditions. With a win against Andreeva, Kostyuk would have become the first Ukrainian player to ever reach a Grand Slam final.
Andreeva takes the first set Fast forward
In windy conditions in Paris, it was Andreeva who seamlessly continued her incredible quarterfinal victory after 56 minutes against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea. While Kostyuk seemed very nervous, the young Russian played her game mercilessly. After just over half an hour, she grabbed set one. Andreeva kept the pressure up in the second round – Kostyuk woke up too late.
There was a particular focus on the semi-finals; over the course of the tournament, Kostyuk repeatedly drew attention to the dramatic effects of the Russian war of aggression on her homeland in an emotional way. Despite the explosive situation, she did not want to give the meeting with Andreeva any particular meaning.
As expected, after the end of the match, the Ukrainian did not shake hands with Andreeva at the net. Ukrainian tennis professionals want to send a signal of protest against the Russian war of aggression in their homeland.