"I think clay is an incredible surface for her": Laura Robson predicts big things from Mirra Andreeva at French Open

Former British player Laura Robson has predicted that Russia’s young tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva can be a surprise package in the French Open this year. The 17-year-old is already regarded as one for the future and has recently showcased her talent at the highest level.

Andreeva was recently featured in the Dubai Duty Freen Tennis Championship, where she lifted the title after beating Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-1. On her way to the final, the youngster defeated world number two Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinal in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-3. She then got the better of one-time Grand Slam winner Elena Rybakina in the semifinal with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Former British player Robson, in a column on Sky Sports, has praised the youngster for her incredible performances in recent times. The 31-year-old also predicted that Andreeva has all the tools to win a Grand Slam in the near future and that the French Open presents a perfect opportunity for her to do so.

“Andreeva is still only 17, but I feel like we have known her for a long time already,” she wrote. “We’re just waiting for that super special Grand Slam result from her, and it feels like this is the year for it. I think clay is an incredible surface for her, it allows her to show off her movement and what a great athlete she is. Let’s see what happens in Paris!”

Andreeva had a great outing at the French Open, where she managed to book her place in the semifinal of a mega-event for the first time after defeating reigning world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinal. However, her journey ended there as she lost to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-1.