Andreeva’s amusing rookie moment after first grand slam title
Updated . First published at
Teen superstar Mirra Andreeva has won the women’s singles French Open final in a ruthless straight sets display.
Andreeva defeated Poland’s Maja Chwalińska 6-3, 6-2 to win her first grand slam in under two hours.
Mirra Andreeva celebrates match point against Maja Chwalinska. Getty Images
“Mirra Andreeva joins the elite and is the Roland-Garros champion,” Todd Woodbridge said on Nine’s coverage.
“At 19 years of age, what a magnificent performance.”
Jelena Dokic described the win as a “tactical masterclass”.
Chwalińska’s nerves were clear from the very first moment of the final when she double faulted on serve.
Maja Chwalinska. Getty Images
Both players then exchanged break points, and it was clear the players weren’t the ones nervous with Andreeva’s coach Conchita Martínez standing up on various occasions.
“You don’t see Conchita (get up as much)?,” Woodbridge said.
“She looks more nervous than Mirra.”
Andreeva eventually broke away to lead 5-3 before breaking again to win the set.
In the second set she raced out to a 5-0 lead but Chwalińska formed a mini fightback to make it 5-2.
However, the grand slam belonged to Andreeva who secured another break to win the French Open.
The 19-year-old dropped to her knees in jubilation and after the handshakes, put her hands in the air to celebrate with the crowd.
She then raced up to her team’s box and shared hugs with everyone including Martínez.
“That’s a great moment ... there’s a very big respect from Mirra Andreeva from her as the coach,” Woodbridge said.
Mirra Andreeva hugs her coach. Getty Images
Andreeva’s mother was seen wiping away tears as the hugs continued.
Chwalińska was gracious in her speech, offering her congrats and a cheeky comment.
“You’re so young and talented, it’s so annoying,” she laughed.
“Congrats to you, and congrats to your team on an amazing job and I wish you all the best in your future.”
After the runner-up’s speech, it was Andreeva’s moment and it was clear this was her first grand slam win.
Upon being given the trophy, she lifted it up straight away instead of stepping up to the podium.
Seconds later she was ushered towards the podium with a surprised look on her face.
In her long post-match speech, Andreeva said it was “a big dream of mine to win this tournament”.
The grand slam winner offered a classy thank you to ball kids, umpires and officials for dealing with the heat during the tournament before moving on to her team.
“I know I can be a tough cookie sometimes and it’s pretty hard to put up with me as well on certain days,” she said.
“Thank you very much for pushing me to my limits. Thank you for making me work even when I don’t want to work. You’ll always push me.
“Thanks to Conchita for sharing her experience, giving me so much advice.”
Andreeva also offered a special thank you to her parents before finally going to her now iconic catchphrase of “I want to thank myself”.
