Mirra Andreeva moved one step closer to Grand Slam glory with a composed straight-sets victory over Marta Kostyuk, booking her place in the French Open final for the first time in her career.
The 19-year-old Russian produced a commanding performance on Court Philippe-Chatrier, winning 6-1, 6-3. While the scoreline suggested a comfortable afternoon, the closing stages revealed the maturity that has become a hallmark of Andreeva’s rapid rise.
After dominating the opening set, Andreeva faced a tougher challenge in the second as Kostyuk fought back and briefly threatened to extend the contest.
With the pressure mounting and the finish line in sight, the teenager made a subtle but crucial adjustment. Instead of chasing power, she focused on landing a higher percentage of first serves in the final game.
The tactical change paid immediate dividends. By slowing her delivery slightly and prioritising accuracy, Andreeva neutralised her nerves and maintained control of the rallies.
She landed four of her five first serves in the closing game and comfortably served out the match to secure the biggest result of her Grand Slam career.
The victory underlined not only Andreeva’s talent but also her growing tennis intelligence. Throughout the tournament, she has shown an ability to adapt under pressure, a quality often associated with seasoned champions rather than teenagers.
Much of that development has been credited to coach Conchita Martinez, the former Wimbledon champion whose experience has helped guide Andreeva through unfamiliar territory.
Martinez knows the demands of major finals and has played a key role in shaping her player’s mindset.
Now Andreeva stands one win away from a maiden Grand Slam title. A victory in Saturday’s final would also move her to the top of the season-long WTA Race, confirming her status as one of the standout performers of 2026.