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Wednesday, April 23, 2025
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Mirra Andreeva stuns Aryna Sabalenka to become youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since 1997

Michael Andisile Mayalo|Published

Russia's Mirra Andreeva eyes the ball as she plays against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles quarter-final match Russia's Mirra Andreeva eyes the ball as she plays against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles quarter-final match on Court Philippe-Chatrier on day eleven of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Complex in Paris on Wednesday. Photo: Alain Jocard/AFP

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva became the youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since 1997 with a shock victory over second seed Aryna Sabalenka, who was struggling with an apparent illness, at the French Open on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old fought back from a set down against her ailing opponent to win 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-4 after two hours and 28 minutes and set up a last-four meeting with Italy's Jasmine Paolini.

Andreeva is the youngest woman to make the semis at a major event since Martina Hingis at the US Open 27 years ago and also the youngest at Roland Garros since Hingis in 1997.

She will fancy her chances of going all the way to the final when she faces Paolini — who had never got past the second round at a Grand Slam before this year — on Thursday.

Sabalenka called for multiple medical time-outs as she complained of not feeling well and Andreeva, playing in her maiden Slam quarter-final, eventually took advantage.

Two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka had powered through the first four rounds but was clearly having difficulties, breathing heavily between points.

Andreeva, currently ranked 38th, had already secured a breakthrough into the world's top 30 with her run to the last eight, but is now poised to rise further.

AFP

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Mirra Andreeva stuns Aryna Sabalenka to become youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since 1997