Russian teenager blows tennis competition out of water at French Open

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva has become the youngest women's singles champion at the French Open in more than three decades, capping a remarkable breakthrough with a commanding victory in the final.

The world No. 8 defeated Poland's Maja Chwalinska, who entered the tournament as a qualifier ranked No. 114, 6-3, 6-2 in the final round of the Roland Garros, as the tournament is formally called, on June 6, French media reports.

Chwalinska had been bidding to become the first qualifier in history to win the French Open women's singles title.

"You’re so young and talented. It’s so annoying," Chwalinska joked during the trophy presentation.

When the 19-year-old Russian player sealed victory with a backhand cross-court winner on match point, she tossed her racket into the air before dropping to her knees on the clay in celebration.

During the awards ceremony, the 18-year-old drew attention by thanking herself for the perseverance that carried her to the title.

"I'd like to thank myself for believing in myself, always giving my 100 percent, even when it's tough, trying every day to be better as a person and as a player, believing that I can do this, fighting so many demons inside of me."

"Only I know how tough it was for me," Andreeva added. "How nervous I was throughout these two weeks."

Born in Siberia, Andreeva later moved to Sochi before relocating to France to further develop her tennis career. Her triumph marks the biggest milestone yet in the career of one of the sport's brightest young stars.

By Nazrin Sadigova