PARIS — Rising tennis star Mirra Andreeva credited a fan’s "lucky charm" for helping her secure a thrilling third-round victory at the 2024 French Open against Yulia Putintseva, showcasing her growing confidence and connection with supporters.
The 17-year-old Russian phenom, competing under a neutral flag, triumphed 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in a hard-fought match on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. After the win, Andreeva revealed that a young fan had handed her a small trinket before the match, which she kept in her pocket throughout the contest. "It was my little secret weapon today," she joked in her post-match interview.
A Gesture That Made the Difference
Andreeva, who has quickly become a fan favorite for her fearless play and candid personality, described the moment the gift was given: "A girl in the front row called my name during warm-ups and held out this tiny bracelet. She said, ‘This will bring you luck!’ I didn’t want to disappoint her, so I took it—and look what happened!"
The teenager’s superstitious side isn’t new—she’s previously mentioned carrying notes from her family in her bag during matches. But this marked the first time an on-court interaction with a fan directly influenced her mindset. "I felt like I had extra support," she admitted.
Breaking Down the Match
Andreeva’s victory over the experienced Putintseva was a rollercoaster, highlighting both her resilience and areas for growth:
- First Set Domination: Andreeva’s aggressive baseline play and deft drop shots secured a 6-3 lead.
- Second Set Struggles: Putintseva countered with heavy topspin, forcing errors to level the match.
- Decisive Third Set: Andreeva regrouped, breaking twice and closing with a stunning cross-court winner.
Analysts praised her adaptability. "She’s learning to problem-solve mid-match, which is rare for someone her age," noted former champion Mats Wilander on Eurosport.
The Lucky Charm’s Role
While Andreeva laughed off suggestions that the bracelet was magical, she acknowledged its psychological impact: "Every time I touched it between points, I remembered that people believe in me. That’s powerful."
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The moment went viral, with the fan, identified as 12-year-old Clara from Lyon, posting a selfie with Andreeva after the match. "I can’t believe she kept it! Mirra is my hero," Clara told local media.
Tennis fans rallied behind the story, with hashtags like #AndreevaLuck trending on X (formerly Twitter). Even rival players took notice—Coco Gauff tweeted, "Tennis needs more moments like this. So wholesome!"
Looking Ahead
Andreeva, now into the fourth round, faces a stern test against world No. 4 Elena Rybakina. Asked if the bracelet would return, she grinned: "Why change what’s working? It’s staying right here."
Her coach, Jean-René Lisnard, downplayed superstition but praised her mental growth: "Mirra’s finding ways to channel positivity. That’s the real takeaway."
Conclusion: More Than Just a Charm
While the "lucky charm" narrative adds charm to Andreeva’s rise, her talent and work ethic remain the driving forces. As she climbs the rankings, her ability to connect with fans—whether through bracelets or blistering winners—sets her apart.
"I play for moments like these," Andreeva said, waving to the crowd. For Clara and thousands of young fans, that sentiment is already paying dividends.