When it comes to Grand Slam tennis, the French Open holds a mystique of its own. Played on the historic red clay of Roland-Garros, this tournament demands endurance, finesse, and a fearless spirit. It has also long served as the launchpad for tennis prodigies—teenagers who step onto court not just to learn, but to win. In the 2025 French Open, this tradition continues as the women’s singles draw features a host of young, rising stars ready to challenge the elite. Among them, nine stand out not just for their promise, but for their age. And yes, the Philippines’ brightest tennis hope, Alex Eala, is among them.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the 9 youngest women in the 2025 French Open women’s draw, exploring who they are, what they’ve achieved, and whether they have what it takes to leave their mark on Roland-Garros.
🎾 1. Brenda Fruhvirtová (Czech Republic) – 16 years old
At just 16, Brenda Fruhvirtová is the youngest player in the women’s singles draw. A member of the Czech tennis revolution, Brenda turned heads as early as 14 when she dominated ITF junior events with poise beyond her years. Known for her exceptional timing and maturity on court, she’s not just another prodigy—she’s a legitimate force.
Her sister, Linda, also burst onto the scene recently, making the Fruhvirtová name synonymous with tennis excellence. Brenda earned her Roland-Garros berth through sheer consistency on the ITF circuit and a strong performance in qualifying. Though she faces an uphill battle against more experienced players, her game has the strategic depth that clay courts reward.
🎾 2. Mirra Andreeva (Russia) – 17 years old
Mirra Andreeva isn’t just a young talent—she’s already a known name in tennis circles. Having reached the second week of a Grand Slam as a qualifier before turning 17, Mirra is a player no one underestimates anymore. Her powerful baseline game and mental toughness give her the tools to thrive in best-of-three formats.
Roland-Garros might just be her favorite hunting ground. The slow courts give her time to build points patiently, and her mental maturity belies her age. She’s not just participating—she’s aiming to go deep.
🎾 3. Alex Eala (Philippines) – 19 years old
Yes, Alex Eala features among the youngest players at Roland-Garros 2025, and she’s here on merit, not hype. At 19, Eala carries the weight of history and national pride. The first Filipino woman to win a junior Grand Slam title (US Open Juniors, 2022), Alex has since transitioned steadily into the pro circuit, collecting ITF titles and notching Top 100 victories.
Eala’s game is tailor-made for clay: heavy topspin, excellent movement, and a keen tactical brain. Having trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy, her style reflects the grinding, relentless pressure associated with her mentor. Her French Open debut in the women’s main draw isn’t just a milestone—it’s a message: she’s ready.
🎾 4. Clervie Ngounoue (USA) – 18 years old
Another exciting addition to this list is Clervie Ngounoue, the powerful American teen who combines raw athleticism with a big serve and an aggressive court presence. At 18, she’s still building her ranking, but her wildcard entry into the French Open symbolizes the belief the tennis world has in her.
Ngounoue’s junior record is impressive, including a Wimbledon Girls’ Singles title and multiple doubles championships. Clay may not be her most natural surface, but her footwork and attacking instincts could help her pull off surprises.
🎾 5. Alina Korneeva (Russia) – 17 years old
Winner of multiple junior Grand Slam titles, Alina Korneeva is the definition of a future star. With a commanding all-court game and the composure of a seasoned pro, Korneeva enters Roland-Garros 2025 as one of the most promising 17-year-olds on tour.
She has already shown glimpses of brilliance on clay, and while nerves might creep in during early rounds, she has the skillset to outlast many higher-ranked opponents. She’s definitely one to watch.
🎾 6. Petra Marčinko (Croatia) – 18 years old
Another teenager turning heads is Petra Marčinko, the 2022 Junior World No. 1. At 18, she’s making waves on the WTA tour with a well-rounded game and excellent point construction. Petra’s clay-court pedigree includes ITF titles on red dirt, and she’s known for her ability to adapt during matches—a vital asset at Roland-Garros.
She may not yet be a household name, but Marčinko’s consistency and composure set her apart. A second-round appearance is likely within reach, with potential for more if she catches fire.
🎾 7. Diana Shnaider (Russia) – 19 years old
Fiery, bold, and unafraid of the spotlight—Diana Shnaider brings energy and a swashbuckling lefty game to the court. At 19, she’s already pushed some top-30 players and made a name for herself with her booming forehand and attacking mindset.
Shnaider thrives on hard courts but has had impressive runs on clay as well. Her intensity makes her dangerous in any draw, and if her form clicks, she could easily be the breakout star of the 2025 French Open.
🎾 8. Sara Saito (Japan) – 18 years old
Japanese teen Sara Saito brings a unique style to the clay courts. Light on her feet and tactically sharp, she’s earned her place in the main draw through consistent ITF performances and qualifying grit. Though not the flashiest player, Saito’s ability to wear opponents down with angles and patience is ideally suited for Roland-Garros.
While she’s still under the radar, this tournament could be her coming-out party, especially if she draws a beatable seed early on.
🎾 9. Tereza Valentová (Czech Republic) – 17 years old
Rounding out the list is Tereza Valentová, the second Czech teenager in the draw. With a fast-rising WTA ranking and a composed demeanor on court, she’s been making steady progress in pro-level events over the past year. Her entry into the French Open was no fluke—she earned it with a brilliant qualifying campaign.
Valentová’s play style is marked by clean groundstrokes and an ability to transition to the net when needed. On clay, that versatility can pay off, especially in long rallies and drawn-out matches.
🔍 Focus Keyphrase: Youngest Women in French Open Women’s Draw
This year’s Roland-Garros women’s draw is not just stacked with top seeds and established champions—it’s teeming with fearless, ambitious teenagers who are redefining what’s possible at such a young age. They bring different games, different personalities, and different cultural backgrounds, but they share one trait: they’re not here to wait—they’re here to win.
The keyphrase youngest women in French Open women’s draw isn’t just SEO bait. It encapsulates a real story of global talent, youth, and the future of women’s tennis. This is the draw that could very well give birth to the next Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, or Coco Gauff.
🇵🇭 A Special Word on Alex Eala
For Filipino fans and global tennis followers alike, Alex Eala’s presence in this elite list is deeply meaningful. She isn’t just participating in the French Open—she’s making history for her country. As only the second Filipino woman in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam main draw, she carries a nation’s hopes.
Her growth trajectory has been methodical, marked by patience, humility, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Whether she goes one round or five, Eala’s presence in Paris is a statement: Southeast Asia belongs on the tennis map.
💬 Final Thoughts: The Dawn of a New Era?
What we’re witnessing at Roland-Garros 2025 is more than a generational shift. It’s an evolution of how we view youth in sport. These nine youngest women at the French Open aren’t merely biding time for their turn at the top—they’re grabbing it now.
They remind us why we love tennis: the drama of potential, the thrill of the unknown, and the sheer unpredictability of who might emerge next. Will Brenda shock a top seed? Could Mirra make the semifinals? Can Alex Eala fly the flag higher than ever before?
One thing is certain: these young stars are not waiting for tomorrow. They’re making their mark today.
