TENNIS: French Open champion Andreeva relieved after Wimbledon win

LONDON — French Open champion Mirra Andreeva opened her Wimbledon campaign with a straight-sets victory over Poland's Magda Linette, winning 7-5, 6-4 in the first round on Monday.

The 19-year-old Russian, seeded fifth, overcame a stern challenge from the world No. 59 in her first Grand Slam match since capturing the French Open title at Roland Garros three weeks ago.

"It's always super special to get past the first round at a Grand Slam because you always have that extra pressure," Andreeva told reporters.

"I was also thinking that it would be very important for myself to prove that even if I did well at the last Grand Slam, I can still continue to perform well."

Andreeva relied on her powerful serve, firing eight aces, although she also committed seven double faults while trying to overpower the experienced Linette, who is 15 years older.

Linette, a three-time Wimbledon third-round qualifier, showcased her grass-court skills by frequently attacking the net and mixing in delicate drop shots and crisp volleys. The pair exchanged service breaks in both sets before Andreeva closed out the opener with two unreturnable serves and gradually wore down her opponent in the second set.

The victory keeps Andreeva's hopes alive of becoming the first player since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the French Open and Wimbledon titles in the same year.

She now faces a difficult second-round match against 2024 Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova. Andreeva said she plans to work with her coach, former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, to prepare for the challenge.

"Krejcikova is a two-time Grand Slam champion. She's very experienced and plays well on grass, so it's definitely not going to be an easy match for me," Andreeva said. -Reporting by Clare Lovell; Editing by Alison Williams and Ed Osmond/Reuters