Mirra Andreeva defeated 36-year-old Sorana Cirstea 6-0 6-3 on June 2 to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 French Open at Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The match was played under a closed roof due to rain delays. Andreeva controlled the contest, winning the first set 6-0 in just 24 minutes with aggressive play [1, 4, 5]. Despite Cirstea's experience, Andreeva dominated the match in 56 minutes [2, 6, 7, 8, 9].
Cirstea, a Romanian veteran planning to retire at the end of 2026, has enjoyed her best season this year, reaching the WTA top 20 for the first time and making two clay-court semi-finals. Earlier in the tournament, she defeated Wang Xinyu 6-3 7-6(4) to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 17 years and recorded a rare double bagel with a 6-0 6-0 win over Solana Sierra [10, 11, 12]. Reflecting on her form despite her age, Cirstea said, "I don't feel I'm doing anything different. I feel I am still working the same - the same discipline and professionalism" [10].
Andreeva credited her mindset and family beliefs for her success at Roland Garros this year. "We have faith that it was already made before we started living this life... It's also easier to think like that," she said [2]. She added, "I'm just going to try to keep using the same mindset, of giving my best, giving my 100% no matter what happens" [7]. She also noted the challenge of facing Cirstea, with whom she has practiced multiple times this season, calling the match a tough battle but praising her ability to play aggressively [4].
After the match, Cirstea praised Andreeva as "a blessing for the sport ... such a sweet, nice, kind girl, but also at the same time has a very good personality" and wished her success in the tournament [3].
Andreeva will next face Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who defeated fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-3 2-6 6-2 in the other quarter-final played the same day [1, 5, 7, 8, 9]. With defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time winner Iga Swiatek absent, Andreeva has emerged as a top contender for her first Grand Slam title [1, 3, 5].
