Andreeva lives teenage dream with maiden Grand Slam title

Andreeva began her Grand Slam journey by qualifying for a first-ever major main draw at Roland-Garros in 2023. Two years ago she burst on to the global scene with a breakout run to the semifinals.

Coached by former world No.2 and Roland-Garros 2000 runner-up Conchita Martinez, Andreeva has surpassed the Spaniard by one step, lifting the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen.

Shortly after falling to her knees as champion and running up to the stands to hug her team, Andreeva put on a custom black jacket emblazoned with her signature post-win catchphrase: “I would like to thank myself."

“It’s very special for me. I’ve been watching Roland-Garros on TV since I was very young," Andreeva said. "It’s been a big dream of mine and I can’t believe I’m holding this trophy right now."

The newly crowned Queen of Paris had to finish with her trademark acknowledgment.

“I also want to thank myself for believing in myself, always giving 100 percent, even when it’s tough, trying every day to be better as a player and a person, believing, fighting so many demons inside of me.

"Only I know how tough it was for me and how nervous I was throughout these two weeks. Also, thanks to myself for working so hard and giving my best.”

In a cinematic video played on the big screens before the final, Andreeva said, “I’m trusting myself and my game more.”

That trust shone through in the Paris sunshine.

For all the craft and versatility that launched world No.114 Chwalinska into trophy contention this fortnight, the seismic task at hand was evident despite an opening game packed with riveting rallies. Two blazing winners off each groundstroke wing and the No.8 seed broke.

Chwalinska was having joy with varied heights, speeds and spins in the blustery conditions, but neither player was able to seize control of the clash. Andreeva needed to be patient and was rewarded at 4-3, dinking the ball over with a re-drop then latching on to Chwalinska’s lob to volley in a pivotal winner.

That created more freedom in the world No.8’s play, Andreeva stepping in and ripping a collection of piercing shots to clinch the set.

Qualifier Chwalinska, competing in her tenth match in three weeks, began to lift her arms and shake her head in frustration, the shots weren’t landing according to plan.

On the flip side, Andreeva was elevating her level, arrowing shots into awkward positions to build a rapid-fire 5-0 advantage.

The Pole’s exquisite drop shot came out again to reduce the deficit by two, but this was Mirra’s day.

A bullet-like backhand cross court and the teenager was soon signing her name on to a plaque for the newly installed ‘Wall of Champions’ just below Court Philippe-Chatrier.

"First of all, I want to congratulate Maja, amazing three weeks passing through qualies, winning so many matches against so many great players," Andreeva said during the trophy presentation. "Congrats to you and your team, it's an amazing job, amazing work.”

“You’re a very tricky opponent, I wouldn’t want to play you one more time… Ok, it’s fine I hope we play many, many more finals in the future," she quipped.

“Thanks to my team, I know I can be a tough cookie sometimes. It’s pretty hard to put up with me on certain days. Thank you for pushing me to my limits, for making me work even when I don’t want to work.

“Thanks to Conchita especially, sharing her experience and giving me so much advice. Thanks to all of them, also all the support from the crowd, Paris will always have a special place in my heart.”