Greg Rusedski weighs in on whether Mirra Andreeva can reach Aryna Sabalenka’s level after Roland Garros

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After a series of upsets cleared the path at Roland Garros, Mirra Andreeva seized the chance to claim her maiden Grand Slam title.

Andreeva topped Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the final, coming through in straight sets 6-3, 6-2.

At 19, she’s the third-youngest Grand Slam champion this century, behind only Emma Raducanu (2021 US Open) and Maria Sharapova (2004 Wimbledon).

Former Wimbledon winner Conchita Martinez coaches the Russian. Speaking on Eurosport, Greg Rusedski praised her approach: “Andreeva is very fortunate to have Conchita Martinez in her corner.”

Greg Rusedski weighs in on Andreeva’s Roland Garros Win

“Conchita [Martinez] just has that right mindset, that little relaxed Spanish mentality,” Rusedski explained during an episode of ‘Off Court with Greg‘.

“She’s a brilliant tactician. I mean, the game plan against Kostyuk was perfect. And then also the final game plan, you know, against the wildcard Polish player who had the dream run of coming through qualifying.

“You just see those little tactical plays, the expectations of getting up to the slices and the drop shots and the movement and the anticipation of what’s coming next.

“And that’s where the great player helps you because they’ve been there. They’ve got the t-shirt of getting to major finals and winning one. So they understand the pressure, the expectation, and then how to handle the tactical awareness.

Rusedski went on to highlight what sets Andreeva apart from some of her competitors: “For me, the most important thing is she’s won her first ever major final. It’s like Roger Federer. He won his first one. There was no doubt. There was no question mark. And then after that, he pushed forward.

“For Andreeva, you know, I feel like this is the impetus for her to join the party. Yes, the Sabalenkas, the Rybakinas, they have the power. But Andreeva has that sort of smarts with her game. She can counterpunch. She can move well. She’s got variety. She’s young.

“So we’ve got two new stars, basically, who have won slams. [Alexander] Zverev has been there a long time at the top, but now to have a 19-year-old that’s won a major and that’s got the game, it’s exciting times now going into Wimbledon.”