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Qualifier makes French Open history, reaching final against Russian teen star

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Polish qualifier Maja Chwalińska reached her maiden Grand Slam final at the French Open after defeating Diana Shnaider.
  • Chwalińska, 24, became the first qualifier in the professional era to reach the Paris final, booking a title showdown with Russian teen Mirra Andreeva.
  • The final will crown a new Grand Slam champion, with Chwalińska expressing excitement for the match against Andreeva.

Maja Chwalińska is continuing her fairytale run at the French Open, reaching her first Grand Slam final after a 7-6(7/4), 6-4 victory over Diana Shnaider. The 24-year-old Polish qualifier has become the first in the professional era to achieve this feat at the Paris tournament.

It feels like a dream. ‌I don't know what's going on. I'm just … I don't know what to say, I'm very happy.

— Maja ChwalińskaAfter winning her semifinal match to reach the French Open final.

Chwalińska will face Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in the final. Andreeva, 19, secured her spot by defeating Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 in her semifinal match. The final promises to crown a new Grand Slam champion.

"It feels like a dream. I don't know what's going on. I'm just … I don't know what to say, I'm very happy," Chwalińska said to the crowd. Despite feeling physically challenged, she emphasized the importance of giving her all at a Grand Slam.

I'm not feeling great [physically]. I won't lie, it's so challenging ‌to play against the best players in the world day after day, but it's a grand slam ⁠, and you have to give it your all and more.

— Maja ChwalińskaDescribing her physical state during the tournament.

Shnaider appeared frustrated during the first set as Chwalińska displayed power and precision with stunning winners. Although Shnaider fought back to level at 4-4, Chwalińska ultimately secured the set in a tiebreak. The crowd favorite, playing her ninth match at Roland Garros, maintained her focus to win the second set and the match on her first match point with a forehand winner.

I'm crazy sometimes, but I try to stay composed. It's the best way for me and helps me play my best tennis. I'm trying to do that, but inside there's a storm, believe me.

— Maja ChwalińskaOn her approach to staying calm during tense moments.

"I watched Mirra's match a bit," Chwalińska commented on her upcoming opponent. "Her game is incredible. It's another great experience for me. I'll give my all, it's a Grand Slam final." Chwalińska is only the second qualifier in the professional era to reach a Grand Slam final, following Emma Raducanu's 2021 US Open triumph.

I watched Mirra's match a bit. Her game is incredible. It's another great experience for me. I'll give my all, it's a Grand Slam final.

— Maja ChwalińskaLooking ahead to the final match against Mirra Andreeva.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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