Inspired by Snoop Dogg, Mirra Andreeva explains why she always thanks herself after big wins
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva continued her remarkable rise at the French Open, booking a place in the semi-finals with a dominant 6-0, 6-3 win over Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea on Tuesday.
The eighth seed needed just 56 minutes to secure her second career semi-final appearance at Roland Garros. The victory also gave the 19-year-old 19 women’s singles wins at the French Open, the highest tally by a teenager in the 21st century.
But it was Andreeva’s candid explanation of a popular post-match ritual that caught the attention of fans. The youngster revealed that her habit of thanking herself during speeches was inspired by a famous acceptance speech from American rapper Snoop Dogg.
Speaking on court after her victory, Andreeva said she initially copied the line for fun after watching Snoop Dogg thank himself while receiving an award.
“At first, I said it as a joke because I heard Snoop Dogg do it,” Andreeva said. “But then I realised it’s actually important. We work hard every day, we make sacrifices and spend countless hours on the court. Sometimes we should give ourselves credit for that.”
The teenager has repeatedly included herself in her list of thank-yous after major victories, a gesture that has become one of her most recognisable trademarks.
Record-breaking run in Paris
Andreeva was in complete control against Cîrstea from the outset, racing through the first set in only 24 minutes. The Romanian veteran struggled to cope with the Russian’s consistency and shot-making as Andreeva repeatedly attacked her serve.
Although Cîrstea managed to level the second set at 3-3 after recovering an early break, Andreeva quickly restored order by breaking serve twice more to seal the match. The teenager also spoke about her natural ability to anticipate play, suggesting that reading the game has always come instinctively to her.
“Since I was a kid, I felt I could understand what was happening on the court and predict situations,” she said. “I never really thought it was something special.”
With confidence soaring and history continuing to beckon, Andreeva now moves one step closer to a maiden Grand Slam title. She will face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in the semi-finals after Kostyuk defeated compatriot Elina Svitolina in three sets.
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