Mirra Andreeva had to contest with the roof being closed during her Roland Garros semi-final against Marta Kostyuk.
Andreeva beat Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 to reach her first Grand Slam final at just 19 years old in Paris.
The score was even more comfortable at one stage of the match for Andreeva, who led 6-1, 4-1 before the roof was closed mid-match on Court Philippe-Chatrier, despite there being no rain.
Andreeva was subsequently broken for the first time after this roof closure, and she has been asked what she thought of the decision made by the tournament.
Mirra Andreeva claims closing the roof was ‘not the best decision’
Andreeva was asked about the roof closure in her post-match press conference, as she revealed that she was told by the umpire that it was in response to expectant rain.
Although she admitted the timing was not ideal for her, Andreeva claimed that it was better than having the match interrupted by rain.
“I felt like the conditions were tough for both of us,” said Andreeva. “It was very unpredictable because with the wind I felt like it was going in both directions.
“I didn’t feel like if I was on this side the wind is going that way, it felt like it was constantly changing. Maybe that is why it was hard for her and for me as well.
“After the umpire told me they were going to close the roof because they were expecting a big shower. I was like that’s an amazing moment, I was 4-1 up! I told myself okay, I guess it’s better to have the roof closed rather than stop the match because of the rain.
“I felt like it was not the best moment for me, but I just told myself they know better and they decided to close the roof so that’s fine. I lost those two games after but I just tried to stay focused and not think about what happened and be focused on every point I’m about to play.”
The rain never actually came in Paris, and Andreeva claimed in a separate interview with TNT Sports that in hindsight it was perhaps ‘not the best decision’ made by the tournament.
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In a follow-up question in her press conference, Andreeva was asked if she would have struggled with the roof closure at an earlier stage in her career, having previously struggled to control her emotions during matches.
“Maybe,” responded Andreeva. “I think something different could have happened before if I lost two games in a row and lost my serve to love.
“Maybe something different would have happened but this time I thought she would have to serve to confirm the break, so I felt it was also a bit of extra pressure for her. I told myself forget what happened, play the next point and that’s it.”
How do you feel about the roofs not being closed for strong wind? 😬
Mirra Andreeva reveals what she told herself before playing Marta Kostyuk
As well as commenting on the roof closure in her interview with TNT Sports, Andreeva also spoke about why Roland Garros is such a special tournament to her after reaching her first Grand Slam final.
“I feel like I have somewhat of a special connection with this place, because two years ago I already made my first semi-final, but I feel like there I didn’t really have a lot of chances to win because Jasmine [Paolini] just killed me during that match.
“I don’t know, it felt amazing to be back in the semis, when I beat Sorana [Cirstea] and now beating Marta and being in the final for the first time it’s just very, very exciting for me.”
As previously mentioned, Andreeva has sometimes struggled to stay calm during high pressure matches, but she revealed that she was trying not to put too much pressure on the result ahead of playing Kostyuk.
“I had a lot of thoughts that she beat me in the final [Madrid], it would be very nice to get revenge, especially in the semi-finals of Slam,” explained Andreeva. “But I also told myself that she’s been on a rollercoaster this clay court season, she’s been beating everyone, playing amazing tennis.
“I also told myself that whatever happens on the court happens and I’m going to be maybe fine with the result either way. But I just told myself to keep fighting and I ended up winning the match.”
Andreeva managed her emotions well against Kostyuk, and she will now play the most high pressure match of her career so far in the Roland Garros final.
This is where Andreeva will play against qualifier Maja Chwalinska, who beat Diana Shnaider to continue her dream run.
