Mirra Andreeva celebrated her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2026 French Open by expressing gratitude in a unique way: she thanked herself. After defeating Maja Chwalinska with a commanding score of 6-3, 6-2, Andreeva became the youngest woman to win the Roland Garros singles title since Monica Seles in 1992.

In her victory speech, Andreeva acknowledged several key figures:

• Her opponent, Chwalinska
• The tournament organizers
• Her team, especially her coach, Conchita Martinez, a former French Open finalist

However, the standout moment was her self-acknowledgment:

I also want to thank myself for believing in myself,

Andreeva's journey has not been without challenges. Previously, her emotional outbursts affected her performance, notably during a Roland Garros quarter-final last year. This time, however, she exhibited remarkable composure, even when faced with the unpredictability of her opponent and gusty conditions.

A significant influence on her mental approach has been her psychologist, Alexis Castorri, who advised her to visualize a stop sign when emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Andreeva also drew inspiration from watching Roger Federer, aiming to emulate his calm demeanor on the court.

The bond between Andreeva and Martinez is evident, with the coach celebrating all five of Andreeva's WTA Tour titles since joining her team in 2024. Their relationship transcends tennis, filled with shared moments and playful interactions, showcasing a deep mutual respect and connection.

As Andreeva lifted the trophy, her heartfelt words and self-appreciation highlighted not just her victory, but the journey of growth that led her to this historic moment.