French Open Champion Mirra Andreeva Breaks Down in Tears After Wimbledon Meltdown: “I Quit”

It will take Mirra Andreeva a few days to process the emotions after her Wimbledon heartbreak. On Wednesday (July 1), the Russian ace suffered a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 defeat at the hands of Barbora Krejcikova in the second round. And later at the press conference, she broke down in tears.

The match was not without some drama caused by the teenager. Andreeva asked the chair umpire for a hindrance call after Krejcikova left the court for medical treatment. Then the 19-year-old accidentally ripped her bracelet, the beads of which were picked up by the ball kids. She requested the points to be replayed, but her request was denied.

At one point, she hit a backhand and looked stunned because the Centre Court crowd started cheering. It was because Harry Kane scored the winner during England’s World Cup match against the Republic of Congo. Right after losing the match, Andreeva flung her racket toward her chair. And while leaving the court, she yelled, “I quit,” at her team.

I felt like it was obviously tough. She played well. I felt like I had some chances and opportunities, but it didn’t go my way. So she’s the winner today.

Mirra Andreeva said at the press conference

And while answering questions, emotions got the better of Andreeva, and she started crying.

Sorry. It’s gonna take some time. Maybe a couple days. Then I’m gonna be back to practice for hard courts. I don’t know where the next tournaments are gonna be. I still need to talk to my team to see where I’m gonna play next.

Mirra Andreeva added

Krejcikova, the champion at SW19 in 2024, will next face countrywoman Nikola Bartunkova. In 2024, Krejcikova defeated Jasmine Paolini in the final, winning her career’s second Grand Slam singles title following the 2021 French Open. Last year at Wimbledon, Emma Navarro knocked her out in the third round.

Tim Henman reacts to Mirra Andreeva’s press conference

Mirra Andreeva suffered consecutive early-round exits on the grass swing. Prior to Wimbledon, she was ousted by Ekaterina Alexandrova in the opening round of the Bad Homburg Open. The winner of six singles titles from eight finals, Andreeva has never played a final on grass.

Before the grass swing, Andreeva lifted her career’s first Grand Slam title with a straight-set win over qualifier Maja Chwalinska at the French Open. The moment was euphoric for the youngster, but now, those happy sensations are replaced by disappointment.

Former British No.1 Tim Henman saw her press conference and admitted that it was difficult for him to watch Andreeva cry.

It’s so tough to see that. The emotion after such a difficult defeat on Centre Court, you can see how much it means to her. Roland Garros was incredible; she is an amazing talent. We have been hoping and expecting her to come through, and then just three weeks later it’s that bitter disappointment. It’s so difficult to see when she is so young in front of the cameras.

Tim Henman said on BBC

Last year at Wimbledon, Andreeva’s run ended in the quarterfinals. She will next be preparing for the North American hardcourt swing.

The reigning French Open champion made her debut at the Canadian Open last year and reached the third round. In her maiden Cincinnati Open in 2024, she progressed to the quarterfinals.

She has already lifted three titles from four finals this year. Before the French Open, she clinched trophies at the Adelaide International (beat Victoria Mboko) and the Linz Open (beat Anastasia Potapova) but lost the Madrid Open (to Marta Kostyuk). The French Open was Andreeva’s career’s third Big Title following last year’s Dubai and Indian Wells wins.

Also read: Watching Idol Serena Williams Play Singles Again at Wimbledon Made Naomi Osaka ‘Really Emotional’