Deborah Walker
Jun 05, 2024 - 11:10

Mirra Andreeva Jasmine Paolini French Open Semifinals Shocks

Teenager Mirra Andreeva stuns ailing Aryna Sabalenka to reach French Open semi-finals, setting up a clash with surprise semi-finalist Jasmine Paolini.

In a stunning upset, 17-year-old Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva defeated an ailing Aryna Sabalenka to secure her spot in the semi-finals of the French Open. The match was a grueling two hours and 29 minutes, with Andreeva overcoming the world number two in a hard-fought battle that ended 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-4.

Sabalenka, visibly unwell and on the verge of retiring early in the first set, struggled with stomach pains and discomfort throughout the match. Despite receiving medical attention post-match, Sabalenka's valiant effort was overshadowed by Andreeva's exceptional performance, marking her first grand slam semi-final appearance.

Reflecting on her victory, Andreeva expressed her nerves leading up to the match and her surprise at the crowd's support. Looking ahead to her semi-final showdown against Jasmine Paolini, Andreeva emphasized the need to maintain her high level of play and composure.

Paolini, another surprise semi-finalist, clinched her spot by defeating fourth seed Elena Rybakina in a thrilling three-set match. The Italian player, who has had a remarkable 2024 season so far, credited her perseverance and fighting spirit for the win, despite facing challenges in the second set.

The Italian duo of Sinner and Paolini's semi-final appearances mark a historic moment for Italian tennis, with both a man and a woman reaching the semi-finals at the same grand slam for the first time. Rybakina, on the other hand, cited struggles with allergies and sleep issues as contributing factors to her performance on the court.

Overall, the French Open has seen a mix of surprises, upsets, and breakthrough performances, showcasing the resilience and talent of the next generation of tennis stars. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion as Andreeva, Paolini, and other rising stars vie for a spot in the final.