Russian teenager Andreeva advances to her first Grand Slam quarter-final

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva became the youngest player to reach the women's quarter-finals at Roland Garros since 2005 by beating local hope Varvara Gracheva on Monday.

Paris, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – June 3, 2024) Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva became the youngest player to reach the women's quarterfinals of the French Open since 2005 by defeating local hope Varvara Gracheva, Monday .

Andreeva beat Moscow-born Gracheva 7-5, 6-2 at Roland Garros to book a place in the round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time.

Aged 17 and 27 days, she is the youngest player to reach the quarters since Bulgarian Sesil Karatantcheva achieved the feat at the age of 15.

Andreeva, who has only lost one set so far in the tournament, will next face a tough task against world number two Aryna Sabalenka.

Gracheva, who acquired French citizenship last year after qualifying under residency rules, was the last local player remaining in both singles draws.

“When they were shouting 'Varvara, Varvara, Varvara,' I imagined they were shouting my name and that really helped me,” Andreeva said.

“It was tough playing against a French crowd but I’m happy to have managed to get through it.”

She reached the third round on her Grand Slam debut in Paris 12 months ago and has since reached the round of 16 at Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

Andreeva is the only unseeded player still in the tournament.