Andreeva orchestrates stunning upset over Azarenka in heated French Open duel

Mirra Andreeva (No. 38) achieved a great victory over former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka (No. 21) by 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 and advanced to the Round of 32 in the French Open. Both players struggled with their serves in a match with 18 breaks between them.

In a generational duel, the 17-year-old teenager surpassed the 2-times Grand Slam champion, who is 34 years old. Andreeva was born on April 27, 2007, at a time when Azarenka was already established on the Tour and in the top-70.

Undoubtedly, it was an irregular match for both players with their serves from the start. Both faced breaks in their first service games, with a total of five consecutive games without either maintaining their service. Andreeva broke the streak in the 6th game and took a 4-2 lead.

Azarenka won only one of her five service games in the set, in addition to totaling 17 unforced errors. The constant errors of the former world No. 1 ultimately gave the set to Andreeva by 6-3.

In the second set, problems with the serve were felt again. Andreeva was 2-0 ahead and victory seemed within reach due to Azarenka's doubts with her service. However, a negative streak began for the teenager, who lost her service four times in a row and 'only' obtained two breaks in her favor, resulting in a 6-3 for her opponent.

Once again, the initial advantage in the third set was for Andreeva in a dramatic end for both players. Although both showed greater security with the service during the initial passages, another series of breaks came from both sides. Andreeva had a one-break advantage and was 3-2 ahead, but Azarenka's response balanced the match. From there, there were three breaks on each side.

An incredible crosscourt backhand from Andreeva when the score was 5-5 gave her the definitive break to close the match with her service, and after three service games that ended in her opponent's break, she finally secured her passage to the third round in her 4th match point by 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.