French Open 2024: Jasmine Paolini ends Mirra Andreeva’s dream run to set up thrilling final against Iga Swiatek

Tennis star Jasmine Paolini advanced to her first Grand Slam final after defeating Mirra Andreeva in the semi-final match of the French Open 2024 at Philippe-Chatrier. Notably, the 17-year-old Andreeva was ousted by the Italian player 6-3, 6-1 in an hour and thirteen minutes, despite performing extremely well in the quarterfinals. The Russian-born Mirra had outclassed World Number Two Aryna Sabalenka, who was the first runner-up in the recently concluded Mutua Madrid Open 2024 and Rome Masters. The young player showed her classific form on such a grand stage.

Paolini made history by being the first Italian woman to advance to a Grand Slam final in almost nine years. The 28-year-old will now face world number one Iga Swiatek in the showdown. The Polish star has recently eliminated Coco Gauff in straight sets to win the semi-final game, and Paolini needs to perform extraordinary to win the final game against Iga Swiatek,  who has recently won the Mutua Madrid Open 2024 and the Italian Open 2024 after outclassing Aryna on both occasions.

Meanwhile, Paolini was thrilled after winning the semi-final game against the 17-year-old. The 28-year-old revealed that she was emotional but was seen lauding the teenager who almost gave her the threat. The Italian-born star feels that she was relaxed after the win in the first set, which helped her win the match.

I don’t know what to say, I’m so emotional: Paolini

“To dream is the most important thing in sport and life. I’m happy I could dream of this moment. I don’t know what to say. I’m so emotional,” Paolini said after the match.

“I’m more happy for sure. It was a tough match. She’s playing unbelievable. She’s 17 years old. She’s so complete. I was nervous before the match. I lost to her a month ago. I was like ‘Come on... You have to do better.’ I was nervous in the first set. Ball after ball I was relaxing. I know it’s tough to relax at this stage. I’m happy I managed to win the match at the end," Paolini added.