Tennis: 114th in world rankings reaches French Open final

Polish tennis player Maja Chwalinska has made history by reaching the French Open final, becoming only the second qualifier ever to achieve this feat at a Grand Slam tournament. The 24-year-old secured her spot in the final after defeating Russia's Diana Schnaider 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 in the semifinals.

Chwalinska's remarkable run follows in the footsteps of Britain's Emma Raducanu, who achieved a similar accomplishment at the US Open in 2021, ultimately winning the title. "This is like a dream. I don't even know what else to say – except that I am just very happy," Chwalinska stated after her semifinal victory. She added, "It is so challenging to compete here again and again against the best players in the world. I am totally exhausted physically and mentally. But that is probably normal."

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This is like a dream. I don't even know what else to say – except that I am just very happy.

This tournament marks the most successful of Chwalinska's career by far. Ranked 114th in the world, she entered the main draw of the French Open for the first time and has now reached her first semifinal at a tour-level event. Her previous best performance at a Grand Slam was reaching the second round.

In the final, Chwalinska is set to face 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva of Russia. Andreeva advanced to the final after a dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory over Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk. Andreeva is the first player born after 2005 to reach a Grand Slam final, a distinction not yet achieved by any male player.

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It is so challenging to compete here again and again against the best players in the world. I am totally exhausted physically and mentally. But that is probably normal.