Andreeva forgets the plan to stun Sabalenka and reach French Open semi-final

Paul Myers
·2-min read

Seventeen-year-old Mirra Andreeva admitted she forgot the pre-match tactics as she came from a set down on Wednesday evening to beat the second seed Aryna Sabalenka to advance to the semi-finals at the French Open.

The Russian won 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 on Court Philippe Chatrier to become the youngest woman to reach the last four at a Grand Slam tournament since a 16-year-old Martina Hingis achieved the feat on her way to the Australian Open crown in 1997.

"Me and my coach had a plan," Andreeva told on-court interviewer Mats Wilander. "But I didn't remember anything. I played where I wanted."

The free-wheeling probably left coach Conchita Martinez wincing. Unsurprisingly, her charge, who was playing in her first major quarter-final, started the encounter tentatively.

But Sabalenka, seeking to reach the semis for the second successive year, appeared out of sorts despite her customary screeching to accompany her massive whomps of the ball.

Hold

Andreeva eventually got her nose in front and served for the opening set at 5-4. But she fluffed the chance and Sabalenka recovered to 5-5 and subsequently took the set in the tiebreak.

Sabalenka broke at the outset of the second set but failed to consolidate. The 25-year-old Belarusian then hauled Andreeva back in when she led 4-2.

Ultimately the Russian prevailed and they were level after one hour and 46 minutes.

And after trading breaks mid way through decider, Andreeva moved to 5-4 with Sabalenka to serve.

And they cheered some more.


Read more on RFI English

Read also:
Tennis star Jabeur hits out at French Open organisers over scheduling choices
Defending champion Djokovic withdraws from French Open with knee injury
Swiatek pulverizes Voundrousova to set up semi-final with Gauff at French Open

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