Andreeva, 19, captures maiden French Open title, youngest champion since Seles

Mirra Andreeva has rapidly ascended the women's tennis ranks, culminating in her first Grand Slam title at the French Open at just 19 years old. The Russian teenager became the youngest Roland Garros champion since Monica Seles in 1992, defeating Polish qualifier Maja Chwalińska 6-3, 6-2 in the final. Andreeva dropped only one set en route to her victory.

At 19 years and 39 days, Andreeva is the first teenager to win the French Open women's singles title since Iga Swiatek in 2020. She skillfully navigated windy conditions, employing a strong serve, forehand slice, and moon balls. This marks her first major final, making her the first teenager to reach the Roland Garros final since Coco Gauff in 2022 and the first player born after 2005 to reach any major final.

Andreeva will receive $3.25 million for her triumph. Chwalińska, whose parents worked as an electrician in a coal mine and a receptionist, doubled her career prize money, taking home $1.624 million. Andreeva is the sixth straight different winner in the last six majors and the third consecutive different champion at Roland Garros. Chwalinska, the lowest-ranked women's finalist in Roland Garros history, appeared fatigued from her run to the final.

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I was just lifeless, to be honest. I knew that I needed to take a break, because otherwise I’m just not able to live.

The match saw Andreeva fall behind 2-3 in the first set but then win four consecutive games, clinching the set with a backhand winner. She converted 4-of-7 break chances in the first set, hitting 14 winners against 12 unforced errors. In the second set, she held serve from 0-40 down to lead 3-0. Serving for the match at 5-0, she was broken, ending a streak of nine straight games, but secured the victory on triple match point with another backhand winner.

Notably, this tournament marked the first time since 1977 that no previous major champion reached the semifinals in either the men's or women's draws. Chwalinska had previously spoken about her struggles with depression, announcing in 2021 that she was stepping away from the court. "I was just lifeless, to be honest. I knew that I needed to take a break, because otherwise I’m just not able to live," she shared, expressing uncertainty about her return. She eventually decided to come back after several months, stating, "I'm happy that I did."

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I'm happy that I did.