French Open: Mirra Andreeva cites text from Andy Murray as inspiration for landmark Grand Slam win

Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva said a text message from Andy Murray helped her win a first Grand Slam match of her career.

The 16-year-old overcame Alison Riske-Amritraj 6-2 6-1 to advance to the French Open second round in just 56 minutes.

Andreeva, who is the youngest player in the Roland-Garros draw, had enjoyed a breakthrough week at the Madrid Open by reaching the fourth round and later revealed that she was a big fan of Murray.

“When you’re here and take a lunch with all these stars, you see Andy Murray, you see his face and he’s so beautiful in life, he is so amazing,” she told Tennis Channel.

The pair have kept in touch and Andreeva said on Tuesday: “I didn’t see Andy Murray since Madrid because he is not here but, after he won a Challenger, I texted him.

“I said, ‘Congratulations’. He actually answered me, so I was really happy about it. He said, ‘Thank you and good luck in Roland Garros’. Maybe that’s why I’m playing that good now.”

Andreeva, whose birthday was just last month, is closing in on a place in the top 100.

“Of course, it feels amazing for me,” she said.

“I’m really excited that I managed to win this match after passing the qualis draw. So, of course, I’m really happy, and I’m looking forward to playing the next round.”

Andreeva has also been interacting with Ons Jabeur, who earned a comprehensive 6-4 6-1 victory over Lucia Bronzetti on Tuesday.

“Hopefully we can play each other,” said Jabeur.

“I can give her a signed picture. She can put it in her bedroom. I don’t know. This is the first time that somebody says that. But it’s special.”

– – –