‘I want to thank myself’ – Andreeva’s journey to Grand Slam gloryImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mirra Andreeva’s catchphrase was written on the front and back of her black jacketByEmily SalleyBBC Sport journalistPublished1 hour ago”I want to thank myself.”That was the phrase emblazoned on Mirra Andreeva’s jacket as she lifted her first Grand Slam trophy at the French Open.After a dominant 6-3 6-2 victory over Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska that made the 19-year-old the youngest woman to win the Roland Garros singles title since Monica Seles in 1992, Andreeva rattled off a lengthy list of thank yous.
She started by showing her gratitude to Chwalinska, before moving onto tournament organisers and her team – including her coach, former French Open finalist Conchita Martinez.
But Andreeva reserved the final – and most important – thanks for herself.
“I also want to thank myself for believing in myself,” she stated.
“For giving 100% even when it’s been tough, trying every day to be better as a person and a player, believing I can do this, fighting so many demons inside of me.
“Only I know how tough it was for me and how nervous I was these past two weeks, so thanks to me for working so hard and giving my best.”
Andreeva has thanked herself after many of her title triumphs – a twist on a quote she “stole” from rapper Snoop Dogg.
“In the beginning I just stated it so everyone would laugh at how funny I am,” Andreeva joked.
“Then after I realised: why not thank yourself? Because you are the one that works, you are the one doing the job, you’re the one that’s feeling all the nerves.”
