Mirra Andreeva reveals dreams of ‘winning 25 Grand Slam titles’

French Open

Tennis365
June 1, 2023

Sixteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva said she dreams of winning 25 Grand Slam titles after reaching the third round of the French Open.

The prodigious Russian talent came through qualifying and has lost just six games in her first two main-draw matches, beating France’s Diane Parry 6-1, 6-2 on Thursday.

Andreeva only turned 16 at the end of April and is setting her sights sky high for her tennis career.

“The dream: I know that (Novak) Djokovic, he did 22 Grand Slams, so I want to go until 25, if it will be possible,” said the confident teenager.

Andreeva says she will try to keep her feet on the ground, though, adding: “As my coach says, to not be like a diva, to stay humble all the time. I don’t think that I have a lot of success now. I didn’t win any tournaments. I just play. It’s the third round of Roland Garros. I will play.”

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She will next face either sixth seed Coco Gauff or Julia Grabher.

Andreeva has already secured a practice session with fellow teenager Coco Gauff this week, but was wary of drawing too much from it.

“We just played some points as usual practice,” she told the press. “I mean, she plays quite aggressive. But the practice and the match is different, so I might also play different. I don’t know. Who knows?”

Defending champion Iga Swiatek again had a tough first set, this time against American Claire Liu, before pulling away to win 6-4, 6-0.

The world No 1, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on Wednesday, had difficulty finding her rhythm in windy conditions.

Swiatek would rather play on Philippe Chatrier in the day than at night, though, and revealed she has been requesting not to feature in the late prime-time session.

Every night session so far has consisted of a men’s match despite organisers facing criticism last year for not giving equal billing to the women.

“I felt like I played already night sessions in this clay court swing,” said Swiatek. “Obviously it would be nice if we had women’s matches as well. But I’m not helping.”

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina fought off a Czech teenager for the second straight round, following up her success against 16-year-old Brenda Fruhvirtova by defeating 18-year-old Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-3.

Seventh seed Ons Jabeur has looked strong so far, the Tunisian seeing off Oceane Dodin 6-2, 6-3, while Kayla Day upset American compatriot Madison Keys 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Mirra Andreeva