“Cold head” Andreeva to face red-hot Italian

Teenaged talent Mirra Andreeva hopes to keep a “cold head’ in her Thursday French Open semi-final when she faces Jasmin Paolini in a battle between surprise packets.

Neither Italian Paolini nor 17-year-old Andreeva would have been tipped to reach the final four.

But 12th seeded Paolini won a quarter-final over Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 while Andreeva stunned second seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4.

The youngster who lost as late as month ago to the double Australian Open champion said she is shocked at her success, but added:  

“(Playing Paolini) will be a (fast-paced) match like today. I’ll try and play at the same level and keep a cold head.”

The No. 38 who has never been past the fourth round of her three previous Grand Slam outings, is coached by former Wimbledon winner Conchita Martinez admitted she is not the best at taking instruction from her Spanish mentor.

“I see the game and I play what I feel, I don’t have a plan. When I see an open space on court I try to play there.”

She said that while Martinez does lay out pre-match strategy, it sometimes does not pay off.

“We had a plan today – but I didn’t remember anything. I just tried to pay as I feel.”

Andreeva gave props to Martinez though: “I still need her, she joked. “Sometimes I can remember a little of her information.

“Having her around is amazing, she gives me so much support. – I’m happy she still works with me.”

Main photo:-17 year old Mirra Andreeva (xxx) wins quarter final and becomes youngest semi-finalist for 27 years since a 16 Year old Martina Hingis in 1997 – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd