Aussie Throws Wristband at Superstar Teen Following Friendly Roland-Garros Rivalry Loss: ‘I Knew She’d React Like This’

Mirra Andreeva has declared her intention to keep Daria Kasatkina’s sweaty wristband after getting her revenge in their endearing and quirky rivalry at Roland-Garros on Monday.

The Russian player Andreeva triumphed over Australia’s Kasatkina with a score of 6-3, 7-5, moving on to the quarter-finals in Paris and tying their professional head-to-head record at 1-1.

In their previous encounter, Kasatkina, competing under the Russian flag, had defeated Andreeva in a thrilling final at the Ningbo Open in China last year, winning 6-0, 4-6, 6-4.

Despite their ten-year age difference—Andreeva at 18 and Kasatkina at 28—the two share a close friendship as former training partners known for their lighthearted antics.

This camaraderie was evident when sixth-seeded Andreeva eagerly caught the wristband thrown by Kasatkina during their post-match handshake.

“She’s a wonderful person and an exceptional player. I had a feeling she’d do something fun after the match, and I knew if I had lost, I’d do something amusing too,” Andreeva remarked.

“When she tossed her wristband to me, it was hilarious. A lovely gesture from her. After that, we exchanged kind sentiments, and she offered her congratulations. I, of course, agreed it was a terrific match. I’ve kept the wristband for now; it’s going in my bag,” Andreeva added.

In a light-hearted moment, Andreeva jokingly expressed her “hatred” for Kasatkina during her on-court interview.

Once cooled down, Kasatkina expressed to Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily that she felt “very inspired” by the backing she received from Australian fans.

This marked the world No. 17’s inaugural grand slam since switching her allegiance from Russia.

Kasatkina is planning to relocate soon, with Melbourne set to become her primary training base.

“In some respects, it has aided me in climbing out of this rut I found myself in a few weeks ago,” Kasatkina told interviewer Duncan McKenzie-McHarg.

“The support I receive from people who just genuinely want to cheer for me, without expecting me to deliver a particular result, is absolutely wonderful. It’s the sort of unconditional support I hadn’t experienced much before, and now it truly feels special.

“I believe the more I receive this support, the more it will assist me. It inspires me, on and off the court. And yes, being in France has been an eye-opener. I can’t imagine how things will be in Melbourne.”

In a light-hearted moment, McKenzie-McHarg offered Andreeva the chance to respond to Kasatkina’s playful jab at her YouTube filming skills, calling them “absolutely terrible.”

Andreeva took it in stride, explaining, “I’m still learning. When I took the camera in Rome, it was my first time handling it, so I’d appreciate a little credit for that.

“It was a new experience, and while I agree I have room for improvement, that’s fine. I’ve got time to grow my skills.

“I value our relationship, and you’re correct; we don’t often see fun moments like her tossing the wristband at me at the end of the match. It was a cheerful encounter, and I promise to work on my filming techniques.”