All grown up Mirra Andreeva mentally and physically stronger at French Open

PARIS – Mirra Andreeva believes she has finally grown up as a player, as the Russian teenager got the better of regular practice partner Daria Kasatkina on June 2 to reach the French Open quarter-finals for a second consecutive year.

The 18-year-old, seeded sixth at Roland Garros, earned a 6-3, 7-5 win against Russian-born Kasatkina, the world No. 17 who now competes for Australia.

She will next take on 361st-ranked Frenchwoman Lois Boisson who shocked third seed Jessica Pegula. Andreeva said: “I think I am much stronger than I was two years ago.

“I think that for me, the most important two points that changed is I improved physically and also mentally.

“I’m much more positive right now on the court and I think that also is one of the keys for me.

“And yeah, I’m always trying to now fight for every point no matter what happens.”

She reached the semi-finals in 2024 with a shock quarter-final win over Aryna Sabalenka, and she is hoping for another strong performance with both Sabalenka and reigning champion Iga Swiatek in the other half of the draw.

“I was prepared for the battle. Last time we played each other I lost in three sets and it was a pretty dramatic match,” said Andreeva, who suffered a tearful loss to Kasatkina in the Ningbo final in China in 2024.

“I don’t know what changed, but today... It gives me confidence. I’m happy I closed the match in two sets.”

Kasatkina believes world No. 6 Andreeva, who already has two WTA singles titles to her name, is hitting her stride.

“Honestly, I feel like she’s taller and taller every single week,” said the 28-year-old.

“I see a lot with the serve that she’s improving because of practising a lot, so I see her serve