French Open 2026 Women’s Semifinal Preview: Marta Kostyuk vs Mirra Andreeva 

PARIS, France — The women’s singles draw at the 2026 French Open has delivered one of the most compelling semifinal matchups of the season as No. 15 seed Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine takes on No. 8 seed Mirra Andreeva in a battle between two of the WTA Tour’s fastest-rising stars.

With a place in Saturday’s Roland Garros final on the line, Thursday’s semifinal promises elite shot-making, tactical brilliance, and a fascinating clash of contrasting personalities and playing styles.

Meanwhile, the second semifinal is still being finalized as World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 25 Diana Shnaider continue their quarterfinal battle, with the winner advancing to face surprise semifinalist Maja Chwalinska of Poland. Chwalinska has become the Cinderella story of the tournament after advancing from qualifying to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal.

Marta Kostyuk Arrives in Paris Playing the Best Tennis of Her Career

Few players on tour have been more impressive during the 2026 clay-court season than Marta Kostyuk.

The Ukrainian enters the semifinals riding a remarkable 17-match winning streak on clay after capturing titles in Rouen and Madrid before arriving in Paris. Her breakthrough campaign has elevated her from a dangerous outsider into a legitimate Grand Slam contender.

Kostyuk’s quarterfinal victory over fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina showcased every aspect of her evolving game. After dropping the second set, she regrouped brilliantly to secure a 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 victory and reach her first Grand Slam semifinal.

Even more impressive was her fourth-round upset of four-time Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek, a statement victory that announced her arrival as a genuine title threat.

Why Kostyuk Has Been So Dangerous on Clay

Kostyuk’s success this spring has been built on several key strengths:

• Improved point construction and patience on clay
• One of the most effective backhands on the WTA Tour
• Greater consistency in longer rallies
• Exceptional movement and court coverage
• Increased confidence in pressure moments

Her aggressive baseline game has become far more disciplined, allowing her to dictate without overpressing.

Mirra Andreeva Continues Her Rise Toward Grand Slam Glory

At just 19 years old, Mirra Andreeva continues to prove she is one of the brightest talents in women’s tennis.

The Russian has already established herself as a top-10 player and enters the semifinal after a dominant 6-0, 6-3 victory over Sorana Cirstea. The performance required less than an hour and highlighted the extraordinary maturity that has made Andreeva one of the most feared competitors on tour.

This marks Andreeva’s second Roland Garros semifinal appearance after reaching the final four in Paris as a teenager in 2024. Her comfort on clay continues to separate her from many of her peers.

Andreeva enters the semifinal with more match victories than any woman on tour this season and has won 20 of her last 23 matches.

What Makes Andreeva So Difficult to Beat

The eighth seed possesses one of the most complete games in women’s tennis:

• Elite court intelligence
• Exceptional anticipation
• Variety and touch rarely seen in younger players
• Ability to redirect pace effortlessly
• Outstanding return game

Unlike many power-based players, Andreeva excels at solving tactical puzzles during matches, often making critical adjustments between sets.

A Growing Rivalry: Kostyuk Holds Recent Edge

One of the most intriguing storylines entering the semifinal is the recent history between the two players.

Kostyuk defeated Andreeva in the final of the 2026 Madrid Open, capturing her first WTA 1000 title with a straight-sets victory. Earlier this season, she also earned a win over Andreeva in Brisbane.

Those results could provide a significant confidence boost for the Ukrainian.

However, Grand Slam semifinals are often decided by experience under pressure, and Andreeva already owns previous semifinal experience at Roland Garros, something Kostyuk will encounter for the first time on Thursday.

Key Matchup: Power vs Precision

This semifinal may ultimately come down to which player can impose her preferred style.

Kostyuk’s Path to Victory

• Attack early in rallies
• Use her heavy groundstrokes to dictate play
• Target Andreeva’s forehand wing
• Keep points short whenever possible

Andreeva’s Path to Victory

• Extend rallies
• Force Kostyuk into uncomfortable movement patterns
• Utilize drop shots and changes of pace
• Capitalize on any emotional swings during the match

The slower clay conditions in Paris could slightly favor Andreeva’s defensive skills and variety, but Kostyuk’s recent form suggests she is fully capable of hitting through even the toughest clay-court defenders.

The Mental Battle Could Decide Everything

Perhaps the biggest question entering the semifinal concerns nerves.

Kostyuk is competing in her first Grand Slam semifinal, while Andreeva has already navigated this stage at Roland Garros. Chris Evert recently suggested the key question surrounding Kostyuk is whether she can maintain her current level deep into the tournament.

If the match extends into a deciding set, experience in high-pressure moments could become a major factor.

Prediction: Kostyuk vs Andreeva

This matchup feels remarkably even.

Kostyuk enters with superior recent head-to-head results and arguably the hottest form on the WTA Tour. Andreeva brings greater Grand Slam semifinal experience and one of the most tactically sophisticated games in women’s tennis.

Expect long rallies, momentum swings, and outstanding shot-making from both players.

Prediction: Marta Kostyuk def. Mirra Andreeva in three sets.

If Kostyuk can maintain the aggressive but controlled tennis that carried her through Madrid and into the Roland Garros semifinals, she has an excellent opportunity to reach her first Grand Slam final.

French Open Women’s Semifinals – June 4, 2026

• Marta Kostyuk (15) vs Mirra Andreeva (8)
• Maja Chwalinska (Q) vs Winner of Aryna Sabalenka (1) / Diana Shnaider (25)

The road to the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen has never looked more open, and Thursday’s semifinal between Kostyuk and Andreeva may ultimately determine the favorite to lift the trophy in Paris.