Key events

33m agoAndreeva claims the opening set 6-1
2h agoPreamble

Second set: Kostyuk 1-6, 2-4 Andreeva* (*denotes next server)

Another opportunity arises for Andreeva at 30-40. Securing this would put the Russian in position to serve for a final berth. Yet Andreeva sends a forehand wide on the break point ... and Kostyuk rallies to win the next three points and hold serve! She is at least challenging Andreeva now, though the clock may be ticking.

Second set: Kostyuk* 1-6, 1-4 Andreeva (*denotes next server)

After taking the prior game, Kostyuk pushes to 15-30. Andreeva responds firmly though. Scores level at 30-all, then 40-30 before the game ends. The 19-year-old lets out a roar, aiming to quiet the spectators as much as mark the point. The roof begins closing amid approaching rain, heightening the tension. It remains doubtful the contest will last until completion. Andreeva stands two games from victory.

Second set: Kostyuk 1-6, 1-3 Andreeva* (*denotes next server)

Signs of frustration mount for Kostyuk while Andreeva forces deuce. Kostyuk would benefit from stronger first serves, with her percentage at just 48%. On her third advantage point she captures the game! Spectators erupt; some support stems from her underdog status and Ukrainian background amid ongoing challenges. Andreeva previously faltered against vocal local backing for Lois Boisson in last year's quarters, so continued momentum and crowd energy could pressure the Russian.

Second set: Kostyuk* 1-6, 0-3 Andreeva (*denotes next server)

Andreeva holds quickly to 15, appearing confident that the title lies within reach. Facing either Diana Shnaider or Maja Chwalinska in the other semifinal, this encounter feels like the true championship match. "No dip in level, not even across two or three points," notes Evert regarding Andreeva's display.

Andreeva breaks: Kostyuk 1-6, 0-2 Andreeva* (*denotes next server)

Chris Evert advises Kostyuk on TNT Sports to "keep things straightforward" while holding serve. Kostyuk, weighed by emotions, conditions, stakes, her quarterfinal win over Elina Svitolina and recent events near Kyiv, fails to connect on a shot. 15-30 becomes 30-40. Andreeva then delivers a standout backhand winner down the line. She plays intelligently, using added height and safer margins against the wind before striking decisively.

Second set: Kostyuk* 1-6, 0-1 Andreeva (*denotes next server)

A major crowd response occurs as Kostyuk reaches deuce on Andreeva's serve. The Ukrainian pumps her fist and shouts after earning a break point. She steps inside the baseline aggressively but overhits into the net. Greater composure was needed; first-semifinal nerves likely played a role. Andreeva holds from deuce.

Andreeva wins the first set 6-1

Serving to remain in the set, Kostyuk loses rhythm at 30-all, giving Andreeva an initial set point. The crowd expresses disappointment at the lack of fight. They regain hope briefly when Andreeva misses a backhand, yet from deuce the Russian earns another set point, steps forward and strikes deep. Kostyuk's footwork lags, sending the ball into the net. The contest has underwhelmed after high expectations. Andreeva remains unbothered, one set from her debut grand slam final.

First set: Kostyuk* 1-5 Andreeva (*denotes next server)

Kostyuk commits a 13th unforced error, allowing Andreeva to lead 30-0 on serve, then 40-0 before closing the game. Kostyuk has shone on clay this season with victories over Swiatek, Svitolina, Andreeva and Pegula, yet the moment overwhelms her. The wind adds difficulty, and Andreeva employs safer margins.

First set: Kostyuk 1-4 Andreeva* (*denotes next server)

0-15. 0-30. The set slips away rapidly after just 18 minutes. It seems Andreeva holds the 17-match streak. Kostyuk claims a point for 15-30, but a long rally leaves her winded before Andreeva hits the baseline. 15-40 follows. Kostyuk saves three break points with strong serves and resolve, finally holding when Andreeva misses long. The game lasted nearly as long as prior play combined. Kostyuk gains a foothold.

First set: Kostyuk* 0-4 Andreeva (*denotes next server)

At 30-all Andreeva earns game point. A rally ensues with a moon ball from Andreeva, which Kostyuk counters with a sharp drop shot winner! Deuce. Can Kostyuk score her first game? No, as Andreeva on her second advantage drills a forehand deep, forcing Kostyuk to mishit into the stands. This differs sharply from Madrid.

Andreeva breaks: Kostyuk 0-3 Andreeva* (*denotes next server)

The match's finest point unfolds as Andreeva mixes drop shots and lobs to overwhelm Kostyuk. From 15-all on serve it becomes 15-30. Andreeva displays superior variety and tactical awareness, reminiscent of Martina Hingis yet with greater power, shown in a powerful backhand. 15-40 leads to the second break point converted via forehand winner. The double break is secured.

First set: Kostyuk* 0-2 Andreeva (*denotes next server)

Kostyuk improves, taking an Andreeva second serve for 0-15 and forcing a double fault. Another error makes it 0-40, three break points. Kostyuk then errs twice on forehands to reach 3-40. She wastes the final chance with a forehand mishit, reaching seven unforced errors in a sloppy stretch. Andreeva holds from deuce to secure the break.

Andreeva breaks: Kostyuk 0-1 Andreeva* (*denotes next server)

Kostyuk, serving first, reaches 30-15 before the umpire quiets the crowd. Andreeva levels at 30-all, and a tense double fault hands over break point. Kostyuk nets the reply. The stands fall silent after a jittery opening from the Ukrainian.

In their Madrid Open final last month, Kostyuk defeated Andreeva 6-3, 7-5 to claim the biggest title of her career. She controlled most rallies, raising questions about whether the more defensive Andreeva will adjust tactics. Andreeva brings more late-stage slam experience despite being younger, yet Kostyuk's power makes her a narrow pick. Emotions may ultimately decide the outcome, as often happens in tennis.

Here Kostyuk and Andreeva come. Kostyuk smiles broadly while waving to the Philippe Chatrier crowd; Andreeva appears more focused. A strong gust of wind arrives. Conditions disrupted play yesterday and feel even fiercer today. Success depends not only on handling the occasion but also the elements. Sabalenka struggled badly in them yesterday.

SHE'S BACK!

Already today, before tomorrow's all-Italian men's semifinal between Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Arnaldi, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, the top seeds, won the mixed doubles final 4-6, 6-3, 10-4 against Gabriela Dabrowski and Evan King.

Congratulations also go to Britain's Henry Patten and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara, who reached their first French Open men's doubles final. The 2024 Wimbledon and 2025 Australian Open champions beat Quentin Halys and Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-3, 6-4.

Preamble

Salut! Early in the event questions arose about managing without Carlos Alcaraz. Then Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic exited, followed by Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and most top-ten players, yet the atmosphere has stayed joyful and remarkable. After Aryna Sabalenka let victory slip yesterday, ensuring two first-time grand slam champions this weekend, an exciting unpredictability fills women's semifinal day, though the impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the draw cannot be overlooked.

Marta Kostyuk has endured that impact most acutely, learning hours before her first-round match of a missile strike near her Kyiv home. At 23, she has gradually combined her talents. Now, aware she represents far more than herself while keeping tennis in perspective, she holds a 17-match clay winning streak and believes she belongs among the elite. Her opponent, Russia's Mirra Andreeva, is the top remaining seed and was already viewed as a future champion after reaching the 2024 semifinals at 17.

Kostyuk beat Andreeva in the Madrid final a month ago, and victory here would make her the first Ukrainian woman in a major final, possibly against Diana Shnaider. Shnaider stayed composed against Sabalenka yesterday and faces Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska, another semifinal debutant on a career-best run who stepped away from tennis five years ago due to depression. Two compelling matches await, yet they carry deeper significance.

L'action commence: à 15h (2pm BST). Allons-y!