Russian teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva entered her first-ever Grand Slam final after dismantling Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 in a one-sided French Open semifinal on Thursday.
The 19-year-old eighth seed showcased pure dominance on the Court Philippe-Chatrier. She had control of the game from the opening set and gave Kostyuk little room to respond. With her powerful groundstrokes and relentless pressure, Andreeva wrapped up the victory in straight sets to book a place in the championship match.
Andreeva to face Chwalinska in French Open 2026 final
Andreeva will now take on fellow Poland’s Maja Chwalinska in the final, which is scheduled for June 6.
The match also carried political significance amid the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Continuing a stance adopted by Ukrainian players since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Kostyuk also refused to take customary pre-match photos with Andreeva, while they also skipped the traditional handshake at the net.
Kostyuk entered the match with a two match winning streak against Andreeva, but the teenager made a flying start, winning the first four games of the match and taking complete control of the opening set. Andreeva looked far more composed and confident this time around.
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Kostyuk made a strong comeback in the second set to shift the momentum, but Andreeva remained firmly in charge. The 19-year-old quickly regained control, shutting down any comeback hopes before comfortably serving out the match to seal an emphatic straight-sets victory.
“I’m still very nervous, very nervous coming to this match as she’s had an amazing season, she hadn’t lost on clay, so that put pressure,” said Andreeva.
“She’s an amazing player, a tough opponent, so I’m super happy with the way I played. I’m happy I got revenge for the Madrid final, and to reach my first Grand Slam final.
“All of these feelings combined, I’ve never felt anything like this, I’m very excited about the last match here in Paris.”
Maja Chwalinska defeated Shnaider in semifinal clash
Coming to Poland, Maja Chwalinska defeated Diana Shnaider 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 to storm into the women’s singles final against Mirra Andreeva. The 24-year-old entered the Roland Garros final for the first time in her career.
Chwalinska, who also trashed World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, opened up on her dream run at the French Open 2026. “I don’t know what’s going on, I just, I dunno what to say. I’m sorry, I’m just very happy,” she added to raucous applause on Court Philippe Chatrier.
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