WATCH: Mirra Andreeva rocks up at French Open with Nike skirt Zheng Qinwen hesitated to wear because she was ‘too shy’
Mirra Andreeva’s Bold Fashion Statement at 2025 French Open
Mirra Andreeva, the 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy, turned heads at the 2025 French Open by wearing a striking blood-red pleated Nike skirt that Zheng Qinwen opted not to wear due to shyness, per Motociclismo.pt. Andreeva’s fearless style, showcased during her third-round singles win over Yulia Putintseva (6-3, 6-1) on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, highlights her confidence, resonating with the resilience of athletes like Luke Humphries and Jasmine Paolini.
**Andreeva’s Fashion Moment**
Andreeva donned the eye-catching Nike skirt, part of Nike’s 2025 Roland Garros collection, which Zheng Qinwen, a fellow Nike-sponsored player, declined to wear on-court. Zheng, in a Tennis Channel interview, explained, “I’m too shy to do it! I want to look more normal, and not too ‘fashion’ before I jump in the match!” per Motociclismo.pt. Instead, Zheng wore a lilac version of the collection, reserving the crimson look for post-match appearances, per Tennis.com. Andreeva’s choice sparked buzz, with X posts like @TheTennisLetter joking, “Who is this diva,” and @GroundPasspod praising Nike’s design, per. The skirt, inspired by Suzanne Lenglen’s iconic style, complemented Andreeva’s 27 winners in her 1-hour-36-minute victory, per WTATennis.com.[](https://motociclismo.pt/en/mirra-andreeva-stuns-at-french-open-in-nike-skirt-zheng-qinwen-hesitated-to-wear/)[](https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/style-guide-why-zheng-qinwen-is-too-shy-to-wear-this-roland-garros-outfit)[](https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4197392/zheng-holds-off-todoni-mirra-andreeva-rolls-in-australian-open-first-round)
**Andreeva’s Performance and Confidence**
Andreeva’s fourth-round run, her second consecutive at Roland Garros, saw her defeat Putintseva with ease, expressing newfound freedom: “I felt like I could do whatever I want on the court,” per Motociclismo.pt. She faces Daria Kasatkina next on June 2. Her lucky charm—a keepsake from a young fan—added a heartwarming touch, per Motociclismo.pt. Zheng, meanwhile, reached the third round, defeating Victoria Mboko (6-2, 6-4), but has worn more subdued outfits, per SI.com.[](https://motociclismo.pt/en/mirra-andreeva-stuns-at-french-open-in-nike-skirt-zheng-qinwen-hesitated-to-wear/)[]\
Context and Rivalry
Both players, Nike ambassadors, have distinct styles. Zheng, world No. 7 and Olympic gold medalist, prioritizes performance over fashion, per SI.com. Her 2024 China Open win over Andreeva (5-7, 6-0, 6-4) drew criticism for a cold handshake and lack of empathy toward Andreeva’s tears, per Sportskeeda.com. Andreeva’s bold fashion choice at Roland Garros contrasts with Zheng’s reserve, amplifying their rivalry. Nathan Aspinall’s praise of Littler’s darts impact and Humphries’ sportsmanship toward Littler reflect similar dynamics of competition and respect, per Mirror.co.uk, DailyStar.co.uk.[]
Parallels to Resilience
Andreeva’s confidence mirrors Paolini’s defusal of a French Open fan fight and Humphries’ graciousness after beating Littler, per SI.com, Mirror.co.uk. Wozniacki’s advice to Raducanu to rebuild and Sinner’s professionalism amid his doping ban highlight resilience, per Sportskeeda.com, Express.co.uk. Phil Taylor’s warning to Littler about 25 years of dedication parallels Andreeva’s need to sustain her bold trajectory, per DailyRecord.co.uk.
Conclusion
Mirra Andreeva dazzled at the 2025 French Open in a bold Nike skirt Zheng Qinwen was “too shy” to wear, per Motociclismo.pt. Her 6-3, 6-1 win over Putintseva and confident demeanor stole the spotlight, per WTATennis.com. Like Humphries’ sportsmanship, Paolini’s poise, and Wozniacki’s guidance, Andreeva’s flair signals a bright future. She faces Kasatkina on June 2, live on TNT Sports.[]
