Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Mirra Andreeva French Open hopes are growing after the Russian teenager beat Sorana Cirstea 6-0 6-3 on Tuesday to return to the Roland Garros semi-finals.
The 19-year-old controlled the quarter-final under the Court Philippe Chatrier roof, with her win coming in a draw already missing defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time winner Iga Swiatek.
For more tennis coverage, read Serena Williams comeback could include Berlin grass court event.
Andreeva Makes Fast Start
Andreeva took only 24 minutes to win the opening set, giving Cirstea little chance to settle in front of a thin crowd on a rain-hit day in Paris.
Cirstea, playing her third grand slam quarter-final in her final season on tour, fought back in the second set and recovered a break at 3-3.
Andreeva quickly regained control, forced another error from Cirstea, then sealed the match with a forehand winner before sharing a warm hug at the net.
Kostyuk Sets Up Semi-Final Clash
Marta Kostyuk will face Andreeva after beating fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-3 2-6 6-2 to reach her first grand slam semi-final.
"I want to start with this historical match I played with Elina. We had a difficult night in Kyiv, so many people dead. So I give this match to the Ukrainian people and their resilience. Slava Ukraini," the 15th seed said.
"I want to point out Elina and her impact on Ukrainian tennis, on me and on everyone watching. She's an unbelievable fighter. I'm so happy to be through, but I want to thank her for this incredible match."
Kostyuk led 4-1 in the first set before Svitolina pushed back, then lost rhythm in the second as the seventh seed levelled the match.
The decider was tense, with the first five games going against serve before Kostyuk held for 4-2 and finished strongly. Official tournament updates are available through Roland Garros.
