Sports
Back on the French Open court that undid her a year ago, Mirra Andreeva is growing up
PARIS — Mirra Andreeva knows that the tennis moments that can undo her are going to come.
She might start missing. Her opponent might suddenly get hot. The crowd might start railing against her.
How Andreeva — so talented, so young, and sometimes so not ready for the swirling intensity of a tennis match — manages those moments, will likely make the difference between fulfilling her potential and wondering about what could have been.
“Sometimes it doesn’t work the best way, but I have the plan in my head that I’m trying, you know, to have if something doesn’t go according to the plan,” she said Sunday in a news conference, after reaching the French Open quarterfinals for the third consecutive time.
For over a year, Andreeva has had a first-world tennis problem. Winning two of the more prestigious tournaments in the sport at 17 proved to be one of the worst parts of her career so far.
In one month, she went from being an ascendant star, to being fixed in the tennis firmament as a favorite, expected to deliver on that status week in, week out.
Since March 2025, in which she won the Dubai Tennis Championships and the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Calif., 16 of Andreeva’s 20 losses have come against players ranked lower than her. She has been a top-10 player since then, so she’s almost always playing someone ranked lower, but the 19-year-old is still undergoing the sporting and mental transition that every rising player does.
Learning how to be the favorite, who plays under the pressure of expectation, instead of how to be the underdog, who plays with the freedom of the unexpected, can make plenty of players vulnerable against an inferior foe at the business end of a tournament. At this year’s French Open, these pressure dynamics are especially heavy. Both draws will crown a first-time champion, and there are just four top-10 seeds — three women and one man — left in the tournament.
Andreeva is one of them. She is back where she was 12 months ago, a prohibitive favorite in the quarterfinals, after a near-perfect 6-3, 6-2 win over Jil Teichmann of Switzerland in the fourth round. She faces Sorana Cîrstea, the 36-year-old world No. 18 from Romania, for a spot in the semifinals. Cîrstea is playing the best tennis of her life, during what she says is her final year on tour. But already Andreeva has achieved things and shown promise in a way that most players, Cîrstea included, cannot.
Last year in this spot, when Andreeva met French wild card Loïs Boisson in the quarterfinals, things got ugly. She led 5-3 in the opening set, before Boisson saved a set point and used the confidence from it to steal a tiebreak. Andreeva, still very much in the match, smacked a ball away in anger.
This roused the Court-Philippe-Chatrier crowd, and in the second set Andreeva fully unraveled, smacking another ball to the rafters and asking people in her box to leave. Her tennis became both tight and loose, pushing and passive one point and spraying errors the next. Boisson won at a canter.
“Sometimes I was a bit emotional,” Andreeva said in a news conference afterward.
Mirra Andreeva’s quarterfinal defeat to Loïs Boisson last year in Paris started a decline in her on-court emotional management. (Julian Finney / Getty Images)
She has spent the past week trying to replace those memories with better ones. On the opening day of the tournament, she returned to the scene of the meltdown when organizers made Andreeva an opening-day match on Court Philippe-Chatrier against another Frenchwoman, Fiona Ferro. No such luck.
“I was hoping that the stadium wouldn’t be too full, too packed today, because obviously that would have been a little bit harder,” Andreeva said in a news conference after her routine 6-3. 6-3 win.
In 2025, Boisson was just the start of Andreeva’s year of heartbreak. An agonizing defeat to Belinda Bencic, then the world No. 35, in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. A close one against Sonay Kartal, then the world No. 81, in the round of 16 at the China Open. This year’s Australian Open fourth round against Elina Svitolina, which Andreeva entered as maybe the best player in the tournament and which she left on the losing side. And then an ignominious end to her Indian Wells title defense, which saw her cursing at the crowd after a tense, tetchy loss to Kateřina Siniaková in her second match.
Given all that data, trouble loomed again at last month’s Madrid Open.
In the round of 16, she nearly blew a 5-1 third-set lead against world No. 58 Anna Bondár, before eking out the win in the tiebreak. She was chattering at her box as the lead slipped, saying things like “I’m not a champion,” to her coach, Conchita Martinez, and announcing to the world that she was going to “choke.”
Instead, she won.
Then she had to face Hailey Baptiste, who had upset Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, in the semifinals. That made Andreeva the highest-ranked player in the final four.
Andreeva won that too, just as Baptiste was threatening to force a deciding set that would have tested her nerve.
After beating the American, Andreeva said in her news conference that she hadn’t thought about the expectations.
“I just told myself that it wouldn’t matter who I would play against. I would just try to make my opponent’s life very complicated if she wants to beat me, and, you know, and if she beats me, then, OK, I will just try to be proud and shake her hand and say, ‘OK, good job. You earned the win and there’s nothing else I can do,’” she said.
In the final, against a white-hot Kostyuk, Andreeva never got into the first set and then frittered a lead in the second. But her resolve to keep her emotions in check in big and small moments is being built for a far bigger horizon.
Martinez does and doesn’t have time for Andreeva’s meltdowns. Before the Indian Wells final last year, with Andreeva tight and snapping at her team, Martinez told her to stop acting like a brat. She promptly beat Sabalenka to win the biggest title of her career.
There’s been a lot of petulant behavior during the past year, during the losses and sometimes the wins, and Martinez is still sitting in the box.
She declined to be interviewed for this story, but she said a year ago that she knows what it’s like to be a teenager in the top 10, with everyone expecting wonders. That was her in the late 1980s.
Mirra Andreeva is learning how to stay in touch with herself on the tennis court when difficult moments arrive. (Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP via Getty Images)
Martinez has worked hard, with mixed results, to teach Andreeva not to focus too hard on the negatives. Andreeva can hit eight beautiful shots in practice, then mess up the ninth, and beat herself up for the mistake.
Martinez is constantly telling her that, to survive in the sport, she is going to have to focus more on the sweet moments and the beautiful shots she can create, on and off the court, both in practice and during matches.
Andreeva listens and nods, then returns to self-hate too often. Her mother, Raisi, moved Mirra and her sister Erika when they were young children from Siberia, to Sochi, in Russia’s far more temperate southwest, and then to France, so they could fulfil her dream and theirs and pursue tennis. She travels with Mirra, and is almost always courtside at her matches. When the petulance becomes too much, she exits.
No parent wants to endure again what Raisi did last year during the Boisson match, when Andreeva got so annoyed with the world that she waved off her mother, telling her to leave, in front of a worldwide television audience and a packed stadium.
A year later, Andreeva thinks she has some tools to prevent a reprise. She and her psychologist have come up with them.
When the negative thoughts stir, she imagines a big, red stop sign in a road. She focuses on her breath. She will begin to sing a song in her head, nothing particular, whatever earworms have crawled in during the day. She believes it will help, as the process of going from underdog to favorite whirs along and she undergoes another process that she does not particularly want to have to experience.
“I don’t want to be old, and I don’t want to grow up,” she said during a news conference in Madrid. “I want to just stay 18 and be a kid all the time. I feel like, obviously lately, I just feel like time is going so fast, and I’m already going to turn 19.”
Ageing can bring some wisdom, though. When she lets her emotions out, her energy level drops and her tennis slackens. The more she can find a way to keep them inside, the better she focuses on the next point, rather than something bad that has just happened.
Andreeva has always been a perfectionist, sometimes to her benefit, often to her detriment. She is trying to see both the good and the less good in her play, almost from above and. no matter what she is feeling, keep it mostly inside.
She gets it. Now she’s trying to live it. Day by day, whether she likes it or not, Andreeva is growing up.
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Sports
Steven Sessegnon exclusive: The twin brother of Fulham’s Ryan rebuilding at AFC Wimbledon after ‘tough’ period at Wigan | Football News
Steven and Ryan Sessegnon walked out at Craven Cottage side by side, each holding their daughters, last month.
The twins had made their way through Fulham’s academy together and played in the first team together on a handful of occasions – but that night, they played against one another for the first time ever.
It was a special moment; a full-circle moment.
In any of the previous three seasons, a game like this would have been a perfect chance for a family reunion, as Steven had been living in Manchester for three years while playing for Wigan.
But now he’s back home. And not just ‘home’ in terms of being back in south-west London. Properly back home.
He points ahead as he speaks to Sky Sports on a terrace at the Dons’ training ground in New Malden. “We used to play academy games literally across this grass.”
He points to the left. “I spent time at Coombe Boys School, which is five minutes up the road.”
Fulham’s Motspur Park training ground is six minutes’ drive away. There, his nephew Kayden is part of the U18 squad.
“It’s really wholesome to be back,” says Sessegnon. “It helps massively being around family.
“I get to see my older brothers, my nieces, my nephews and I see my brother [Ryan] a few times a week.
“We play at two different levels, so there isn’t too much to speak about as if we were in the same league, but we catch up on life, being dads, being providers, being men in our families and what the future looks like.”
Sessegnon’s return home has come at an important point in his career.
In his first season at Wigan in 2023/24, he played 29 games in all competitions. In his second, he suffered calf and knee injuries, before not playing again from January 4 2025.
At the start of his third, Gary Caldwell, who had replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025, placed him on the transfer list.
“Things happen fast in football,” Sessegnon says. “When I was put on the transfer list, I was told I wasn’t going to play and I didn’t go on the pre-season trip – but I ended up starting the first game of the season through injuries or lack of availability, and I thought I did well.
Sessegnon signed a two-year deal at AFC Wimbledon in June
“It’s fair game, it’s part of it. The manager came in, the club wanted to go in a different direction. As long as everyone can come out of it happy and people can move onto clubs they know they can do well at, there’s no problem with it.”
A move away did not materialise so, on the few occasions Caldwell did select him, he was deployed at centre-back, where he had never played before.
“It was tough. Very, very tough. I felt like I could contribute to a team, but didn’t really have the trust or belief behind me to do it.
“But as much as I could say I didn’t have the proper backing to be in my own position, I was still given a chance to play football. It was down to me and it just never happened.
“There was no issue with anyone else apart from myself. I learned a lot there, a lot I can take with me for the rest of my career. It was a learning curve.
“The biggest thing was professionalism. Even in the worst stages of when I wasn’t playing and I was told I wasn’t going to be a part of it, I could still carry myself and be the best possible person.
The 26-year-old made only 20 League One starts across the last two seasons at Wigan
“I felt I owed it to myself to show people I was still a very good trainer, a very good player and I think that helped me stick around longer than they probably wanted me to.”
Sessegnon was released by the Latics in the summer and joined AFC Wimbledon on a two-year contract, with the option for a further 12 months, on June 25.
“I was preparing to go on holiday with my family and I got a call. As soon as they said Wimbledon, local, I said ‘let’s get it sorted’,” he recalls.
“But it was also about the position I would play, how the gaffer [Johnnie Jackson] set it out. It wasn’t complicated. I knew I could come in and, if I could get minutes, I would show my ability.”
Sessegnon’s first Dons appearance came on August 8 against Newport in the Carabao Cup, almost six months after his last competitive game for Wigan. He looks in genuine disbelief when he hears that.
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Highlights of the Sky Bet League One match between Bromley and AFC Wimbledon
His full league debut came on September 7, in a 2-0 Sky Bet League One win over Bromley. He has had to bide his time, but he understands why.
“It’s like injuries, you have a bit of anxiousness about getting going again, but I had the pre-season and here at Wimbledon, they looked after me very well. The gaffer has looked after me very well and communicated very well with me.
“In my head I wanted to start and play as many games as I could, but coming off the bench a few times has probably benefitted me to get to grips with football again.
“It’s probably the simplest football I’ve played in my career, but the most effective. We’re able to create chances, I’m able to get the ball high up the pitch.
“It’s not overthought, and I think it brings the best out of the whole squad and definitely myself. I’ve enjoyed it so far and it takes the pressure off the whole squad; we know we can create chances, we just have to be solid.”
The Dons have certainly been solid, with five clean sheets from seven games so far – the joint-most in the Sky Bet EFL.
They are four points behind leaders Bradford going into Saturday’s trip to Cambridge – which is live on Sky Sports+ – despite having only scored five goals so far.
Saturday 26th September 2:50pm
Kick off 3:00pm
That said, they are still among the bookmakers’ favourites to be relegated this season.
But now, back on home soil, Sessegnon has the chance to help AFC Wimbledon defy the odds again, just around the corner from where it all began.
Watch Cambridge vs AFC Wimbledon live on Sky Sports+ on Saturday; kick-off 3pm.
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Sports
Luis Binks: ‘Scotland was always the one for me’ – Brondby defender determined to make mark in first squad | Football News
“I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years, and now the opportunity has come. I’m just really proud.”
Defender Luis Binks has played at under-21 level for both Scotland and England, but insisted he did not hesitate when new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli said he wanted him in his first squad.
The Brondby captain is one of six players handed their first full call-ups for the Nations League games against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Pocognoli has said he will not beg players to choose Scotland, something the 25-year-old agrees with.
“I think if he had to try and convince me, convince anyone, it’s probably not the right thing for the player,” Binks told Sky Sports News.
“I didn’t need any convincing; I was available.
“I wanted to play for Scotland. I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years and now the opportunity has come, I’m just really proud.
Robbie Ure (L) and Luis Binks are two of the new faces in the Scotland squad
“It’s where you feel your heart is and where you want to go. This was the route I wanted to take.”
It is a new-look Scotland under Pocognoli with 12 players who were in Steve Clarke’s final squad for the World Cup missing out, only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams through injury.
And while it’s a new environment for Binks, there are some familiar faces within the camp.
“It was a few years ago that I was with Aaron Hickey in Bologna and he got called up while we were there.
Aaron Hickey has 22 caps for Scotland
“I could play for the 21s at the time and nothing ever coming up but it was always, Scotland was always the one for me that I wanted to go and play for.
“Going back years ago, under 16s when I went away with Scotland, the vibe was just so good.
“It felt like a proper team, it was just normal lads and you felt like you were playing with your mates so I knew there was always that feeling around it. I wanted to go and be a part of that again.”
The Pocognoli era officially gets underway in Ljubljana on Saturday, with a game against Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.
The squad then fly to North Macedonia on October 3 before returning to Glasgow to face Slovenia again on October 6.
The Scotland players are training in La Manga ahead of their Nations League opener
Scotland were demoted from Nations League A after a play-off defeat by Greece last year and return to the second tier for this year’s competition.
“Obviously we want to get to the A group of the Nations League but there are a lot of new faces, a lot of new management, new ways of playing,” Binks added.
“I know what it’s like because I’ve got a new manager at my club now and it’s taking a bit of time so I imagine it’s the same sort of process here.
“It’s just about getting the players on board and buying into everything the manager wants to do.
“It’s been early days, but I think everyone is fully on board and believes in what we can do as a country.”
Scotland squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Jon McCracken (Bradford City)
Defenders: Luis Binks (Brondby), Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Luke Graham (Stoke City), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Torino), Andy Robertson (Tottenham), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers)
Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla), James Wilson (Hearts)
Scotland’s Nations League fixtures
Slovenia vs Scotland – September 26, kick-off 2pm
Scotland vs Switzerland – September 29, kick-off 7.45pm
N. Macedonia vs Scotland – October 3, kick-off 7.45pm
Scotland vs Slovenia – October 6, kick-off 7.45pm
Scotland vs N. Macedonia – November 13, kick-off 7.45pm
Switzerland vs Scotland – November 16, kick-off 7.45pm
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Lucas Roehrig: Rising cruiserweight talent signs with Zuffa Boxing and will fight on Sky Sports | Boxing News
Lucas Roehrig has signed a promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing and will fight on Sky Sports.
The cruiserweight talent, only 23 years old, has impressed in his rise through the cruiserweight ranks.
He will fight next on Zuffa Boxing 12 at the Copper Box Arena on November 7, live on Sky Sports.
His trainer and mentor is former world champion George Groves. Roehrig has been flawless so far in his professional career.
The young Londoner has won nine fights, never been defeated and has taken five of those wins inside the distance.
Roehrig made his pro debut in 2024, halting former English champion Joel McIntyre in three rounds.
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George Groves discusses his fighter Lucas Roehrig signing for Zuffa boxing and why we should be excited for his career.
Last year he shut out American prospect Brian Jones over six rounds. From then on, he’s continued to box and beat opponents with winning records.
His last two fights have been consecutive stoppage victories, over Adam Kolarik and Faton Tolaj, at York Hall.
“I’m really excited. This is a new chapter for me,” Roehrig told Sky Sports News. “Zuffa have come onto the scene and made a big splash, and for where I’m at in my career right now, that’s exactly what I want to do too.
“I’ve been through the levels. I’ve boxed on Sky shows and on other channels, but I’ve also boxed on the small hall shows – I haven’t skipped a step.
“I think now is the perfect platform, perfect time to fight other prospects – Zuffa have a lot of other undefeated fighters – for me to really make some noise not just in the UK but internationally too.”
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George Groves’ boxing protégé Lucas Roehrig picks up the knockout win! But was the first knockdown controversial?
Roehrig is now joining a promotional powerhouse that has a strong cruiserweight stable, including Jai Opetaia, Chris Billam-Smith, Ryan Rozicki and more.
“I’ve said numerous times that I’m aiming for world titles, that’s the main goal, that’s why I work so hard and that’s why we’re going to be taking risks,” Roehrig said.
“Our first fight will be November 7. Make a splash, and then from there keep building. There’s other belts that I’d love to collect along the way, but the Zuffa belt and the world titles are the end goal.”
Zuffa Boxing 11, headlined by Johnny Fisher vs Michael Pirotton, takes place this Saturday live on Sky Sports.
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