Mirra Andreeva defeated Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open. GETTY IMAGES

Teenager Mirra Andreeva made history at the French Open on Wednesday by upsetting Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. At 17 years old, she became the youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist in nearly three decades.

Andreeva rallied from a set down to defeat her struggling opponent, winning 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4 after a two-hour and 28-minute battle. She will now face Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the semi-finals.

The Russian teen sensation is the youngest woman to reach the semifinals at a major event since Martina Hingis at the US Open 27 years ago. She is also the youngest semi-finalist at Roland Garros since Hingis in 1997. 

Andreeva will fancy her chances of going all the way to the final when she faces Paolini - who had never got past the second round at a Grand Slam before this year - on Thursday.





"I kind of see the game and just play wherever I want. I don't even have a plan," she said. "Me and my coach had a plan today, but I didn't remember anything. I just tried to play as I feel... Having her by my side is an amazing advantage for me. I'm really happy that she still works with me."

Sabalenka requested multiple medical time-outs due to feeling unwell, allowing Andreeva to eventually capitalise in her maiden Slam quarter-final. 

"I even forgot what the score was. I tried not to focus on that. When it was the second match point for me, I was trying to imagine I'm saving a break point. I tried to play brave," Andreeva added.

Two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka had dominated the first four rounds but struggled with heavy breathing between points. Andreeva, currently ranked 38th, had already broken into the world's top 30 with her run to the quarterfinals and is now set to climb even higher.