'Future of women's tennis' - Chris Evert backs Mirra Andreeva to win 'many' more Grand Slam titles after French Open crown

Andreeva defeated qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the French Open final to claim the first major title of her career on Saturday.

The 19-year-old dropped just a single set en route to lifting the Suzanne Lenglen Cup, as she became the youngest Roland-Garros champion since Monica Seles in 1992.

Having won Indian Wells last year, Andreeva's career continues to hit new heights and Evert feels Saturday's historic triumph will be the first of many for the Russian.

"Andreeva's not going to be a flash in the pan," Evert said on TNT Sports' coverage. "She's not going to win one Grand Slam and then that's it. She's going to win many. Five, six, seven, whatever. She is the future of women's tennis."

Just 12 months ago, Andreeva suffered a disappointing quarter-final exit in Paris to Lois Boisson, the surprise French Open home favourite who made it all the way to the final four. Evert has observed the change in Andreeva's on-court demeanour in the intervening year.

"We've seen her have meltdowns, she had a meltdown last year at the French Open," Evert said. "We've seen her get really upset, throw racquets, in tears after matches. This is what Conchita Martinez [Andreeva's coach] has been working on with her, get that control, calmness during a match. To know how to reset.

"Boy was she mature out there. We know she has high tennis IQ, but she was very mature in her attitude and body language."

And while Evert was impressed with improvements in Andreeva's mental state, she also noted physical changes in the teenager.

"I saw a big difference in her physically," Evert said. "She went into the gym and really bulked up, in a good way. She's got muscles, strength and has become quite an athlete out there."

Andreeva has been tipped to establish herself among the tennis elite since her breakout as a 15-year-old at the Madrid Open in 2023. She has since lodged herself within the WTA top 10 and made several deep runs at majors.

With the likes of defending champion Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek suffering early exits before world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was beaten in the quarter-finals, the draw opened up kindly for Andreeva, and she capitalised on the opportunity.

But overcoming Chwalinska in the final was no mean feat. The qualifer had caused numerous upsets en route to the final, dazzling the likes of Elise Mertens, Anna Kalinskaya and Diana Shnaider with her impressive variety.

Evert thought that Saturday's final was just a step too far for the Pole, who started the tournament ranked world No. 114.

"Mirra really had more experience," Evert said. "And she had a bigger game, she remained patient and consistent yet still showed us the raw power she has.

"This win was really on the cards for her, we saw it as a junior. Her game, her style, versatility at such a young age, we knew this would happen. It happened on a court she loves, a clay court.

"It turned out to be a great women's tournament overall. A lot of the seeds lost. We'll be seeing them at Wimbledon, more hungry and eager than ever. Congratulations to Mirra, she's earned it."

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