Andreeva ends Cîrstea’s Roland Garros run, sets up semifinal clash with Kostyuk

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva delivered a masterclass performance at Roland Garros, defeating Sorana Cîrstea 6-0, 6-3 to secure a place in the semifinals of the 2026 French Open.

The 19-year-old required just 56 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier to end Cîrstea’s impressive run in Paris and continue what has become a breakthrough clay-court campaign.

Ranked world No. 8, Andreeva entered the quarterfinal full of confidence and immediately imposed herself on the contest. Her aggressive baseline play, sharp movement, and relentless pressure left Cîrstea struggling to find any rhythm during a one-sided opening set.

Lightning start sets the tone

Playing under the closed roof in Paris, Andreeva raced through the first set without conceding a game. She surrendered only nine points across the opening six games, consistently dictating rallies and forcing errors from the experienced Romanian.

Cîrstea attempted to change the momentum at the beginning of the second set, earning an early break and briefly leveling the contest at 3-3. However, Andreeva quickly responded, raising her intensity and reasserting control.

The teenager won 12 of the final 14 points of the match to close out victory in emphatic fashion.

Clinical numbers highlight dominance

The statistics reflected Andreeva’s control throughout the encounter.

She struck 18 winners compared to just four from Cîrstea and converted all six of her break-point opportunities. Her ability to attack at key moments and maintain consistency from the baseline proved decisive.

Speaking after the match, Andreeva admitted even she was surprised by the level she produced.

“I honestly didn't expect that myself. I found myself being very focused, very aggressive and going for my shots all the time.”

She also praised her opponent, describing Cîrstea as a difficult player to face despite the convincing scoreline.

Semifinal showdown awaits

The victory marks Andreeva’s 20th clay-court win of the season and sends her into the second Grand Slam semifinal of her career.

Awaiting her in the last four is Marta Kostyuk, who made history by becoming the first Ukrainian woman in the Open Era to reach a Roland Garros semifinal after defeating compatriot Elina Svitolina.

The semifinal promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament, with two of the WTA Tour’s most in-form players battling for a place in the French Open final.

For Andreeva, the opportunity is significant. With no former champion remaining in the women’s draw, the teenager now finds herself just two victories away from capturing her maiden Grand Slam title.

SportsLigue