Mirra Andreeva Credits ‘Lucky Charm’ from Young Fan After French Open Win

Russian teen sensation shows gratitude after dominant third-round victory in Paris

In the high-stakes world of Grand Slam tennis, where nerves often dance on a knife-edge and momentum can shift in a heartbeat, it’s sometimes the smallest gestures that carry the greatest emotional weight. For 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva, that gesture came in the form of a colourful fabric patch—handed to her by a young fan moments before she stepped onto court.

After a commanding 6-3, 6-1 win over Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva in the third round of the 2025 French Open, the Russian rising star revealed that she’d been carrying a little extra inspiration with her. Not from a coach, or a pep talk, or a training breakthrough—but from a little girl in the crowd.

A surprise gift from the crowd

Andreeva thanks fan for ‘lucky charm’ after win

Speaking in her post-match interview, the sixth seed shared the sweet story behind the fabric patch that had sat neatly folded on her bench throughout the match.

“When I was walking onto the court, a little girl came up and put a drawing—or something like a patch—on my bench,” Andreeva smiled. “It had these cute floral patterns and I decided to keep it. I guess it’s my lucky charm now.”

She added, looking towards the stands, “Wherever that little girl is, I just want to say thank you. Because that patch really brought me luck today.”

In a sport where every edge—be it mental or physical—counts, Andreeva’s openness to embrace the sentimentality of a stranger’s kindness struck a chord with fans around the world. It was a reminder that for all the professionalism and pressure at the top level, tennis still allows room for magic, connection, and human moments.

A rising force on the red clay

Andreeva credits ‘lucky charm’ for third-round win

While the fabric patch may have played its part, most would argue that it was Andreeva’s phenomenal form and focus that earned her the win. The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of the 2025 season, already claiming two major WTA titles at Indian Wells and the Dubai Tennis Championships earlier this year.

In Paris, she’s looked every bit the contender. Cool-headed, composed, and ruthlessly efficient, Andreeva made light work of the experienced Putintseva, a player known for her grit and court craft. The Russian’s powerful baseline game, combined with her court coverage and ability to redirect pace, proved too much for the 32nd seed, who simply had no answer to the teenager’s consistency and confidence.

This victory takes Andreeva into the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time in her young career, though this is far from her first flirtation with deep runs in Paris. Just last year, she made it all the way to the semi-finals, falling to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in a match that showcased her potential on clay.

A new fan favourite emerges

Andreeva’s on-court brilliance is only part of the story. What makes her particularly compelling is the blend of youthful charm and fierce determination she brings to every match. She doesn’t just play like a future champion—she carries herself like someone who belongs on the big stage.

That confidence has translated into a growing legion of fans, many of whom are drawn to her maturity, her charisma, and now, her appreciation for the small things—like a lucky patch from a little girl in the stands.

“It means a lot,” Andreeva said. “Sometimes the energy of the crowd really helps you. Today, I felt that support from the beginning. That little gift reminded me to stay calm, stay focused, and enjoy the game.”

Clay-court credentials with a champion’s mindset

With titles already under her belt in 2025, Andreeva has quietly become one of the favourites to challenge for the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen this year. While more seasoned stars like Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina still dominate conversations around the favourites, Andreeva’s presence cannot be ignored.

Her performance against Putintseva was yet another showcase of her evolving skillset—one that blends powerful shot-making with the kind of tactical awareness that belies her age. On the slower clay, where constructing points is crucial, Andreeva’s game has found a natural rhythm.

“I like the clay,” she said. “You have more time to think, more time to build the point. And I think that suits my style.”

What comes next in Paris?

As she advances to the second week of the French Open, Andreeva knows that tougher tests lie ahead. The fourth round will likely see her face a top-15 opponent, and from that point on, every match becomes a mental and physical battle.

Still, the teenager seems unfazed. With each passing match, her belief grows stronger—not only in her ability to beat the best, but to one day become one of them.

“I try not to think too far ahead,” she said. “One match at a time, one day at a time. And today was a good day.”

That mindset, along with her game and growing fan base, makes Andreeva one of the most exciting young talents to watch—not just in Paris, but on the WTA Tour as a whole.

A lucky charm, and maybe something more

Whether the floral patch remains in Andreeva’s kit bag for the rest of the tournament is anyone’s guess. But what’s certain is that it’s already become a small piece of French Open folklore.

In a world of statistics, rankings, and performance metrics, it’s moments like these that remind us of sport’s more whimsical side. Sometimes, success isn’t just about data and preparation—it’s about connection, emotion, and a little bit of magic.

And for Mirra Andreeva, that magic might just have come from a child’s unexpected gift on a sunny afternoon in Paris.