Mirra Andreeva, 17, is ready for the semifinals of the French Open. That after defeating Belarusian world number two Aryna Sabalenka 2-1 in sets with the set numbers 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.
– I tried to play bravely and managed to win, says Andreeva directly after the match on Eurosport’s broadcast.
Surprised by the crowd’s support
It is the first time Andreeva, ranked 38 in the world, has reached the semifinals of a grand slam tournament. After the match, the 17-year-old Russian was surprised by the support she received from the crowd.
– To be honest, I was really nervous before the match. I knew she (Sabalenka eds note) had the upper hand, especially with the crowd. I’m quite surprised that you in the audience are praising me too. Honestly, I didn’t expect that, thank you so much.
“Try to have the same coolness”
Andreeva also admits that she may have deviated from the tactics that she and the coach laid out before the match.
– Me and my coach had a plan, but I didn’t remember anything about it during the match, she laughs.
In the semifinals, 15th-ranked Jasmine Paolini from Italy awaits.
– She plays and moves quickly and really goes for it, regardless of what the match says. I think it will be like today so I have to try to get up to the same level and have the same cold, then we will see what happens, says Andreeva.