Mirra Andreeva’s Playful ‘I Hate Her’ Quip Steals Show After French Open Victory Over Daria Kasatkina
Mirra Andreeva, the 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy, brought a mix of humor and competitive fire to the 2025 French Open, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 7-5 straight-sets victory over her close friend and practice partner Daria Kasatkina on June 2, 2025, at Roland Garros. In a lighthearted post-match interview on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, Andreeva jokingly declared, “I’m so happy I won because I hate playing against her. We practice a lot, and even the practice is torture for me.” Smiling broadly, she clarified, “No, I’m joking, of course. She’s a great person and a great player.” The quip, which echoed Kasatkina’s own playful pre-match comment of “I hate her… just kidding,” highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two, despite their fierce on-court rivalry.[]
The match, a tactical 94-minute affair, showcased Andreeva’s growing prowess on clay. Seeded No. 6, she overcame an early challenge from Kasatkina, who had switched allegiance to Australia and was competing in her first Grand Slam as an Australian. Andreeva broke early in the second set with a deft drop shot and lob, but Kasatkina fought back, reeling off four straight games to serve for the set at 5-4. Andreeva’s composure shone through, breaking back and holding serve after fending off a set point to secure her second consecutive French Open quarter-final appearance, a feat not achieved by a woman so young since Martina Hingis in 1998. “It was a hell of a match,” Andreeva said, crediting her ability to stay calm when Kasatkina raised her level.
Their history adds depth to the narrative. Kasatkina, ranked No. 17, had previously defeated Andreeva in the 2024 Ningbo Open final (6-0, 4-6, 6-4), leaving Andreeva in tears. This time, Andreeva evened their head-to-head at 1-1, using their intense practice sessions at the Elite Tennis Center in Cannes to her advantage. “My coach [Conchita Martinez] says you’ve got to practice with people you don’t like. That’s why I practice with her because I hate her!” Andreeva teased, her smile betraying the affection behind the jest. Kasatkina’s own pre-match banter—“We’re just giving a little s*** to each other all the time”—underscored their off-court bond, often showcased in vlogs capturing their tour life.[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/2063252/mirra-andreeva-french-open-daria-kasatkina)[](https://motorcyclesports.net/daria-kasatkina-jokes-i-hate-her-in-fiery-french-open-showdown-anticipation/)
Andreeva’s 2025 season has been a breakout, with WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, a 19-3 record, and a career-high ranking of No. 6. Her clay-court game, blending powerful backhands, defensive agility, and tactical variety, has drawn comparisons to a young Kasatkina, though Andreeva’s raw power sets her apart. Facing French wildcard Lois Boisson next, who upset Jessica Pegula, Andreeva remains a title contender, with fans on X buzzing about her “vengeful triumph” and potential to become the youngest French Open champion since 2004. Her playful “hate” for Kasatkina, far from malice, reflects the competitive spirit and friendship driving her meteoric rise
