Polish Qualifier Chwalinska Storms into French Open Final, Continues Cinderella Run
World No. 114 Maja Chwalinska of Poland defeated 25th seed Diana Shnaider in straight sets in the French Open semifinals, becoming the first female qualifier to reach the final at Roland Garros in the professional era.
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- 📰 Published: June 5, 2026 at 04:20
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(Central News Agency, Paris, 4th, Combined Foreign Reports) World No. 114 Polish tennis player Maja Chwalinska made history at the French Open on Thursday, defeating 25th seed Diana Shnaider in straight sets to become the first female qualifier to reach the final at Roland Garros since the sport turned professional.
According to AFP, the 24-year-old Chwalinska, playing in her first French Open main draw after failing to qualify in three previous attempts, won 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 to advance to the final, securing her ninth win in three weeks at Roland Garros.
She is only the second female player in the Open Era (since 1968) to reach a Grand Slam final as a qualifier, following 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu.
After defeating Shnaider, who is playing as a neutral athlete from Russia, Chwalinska said her run to the final feels "like a dream."
Addressing the warm applause from the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier, she added, "I don't know what's happening. I really don't know what to say. I'm sorry, I'm just very happy."
Throughout her run, Chwalinska has maintained a calm and composed demeanor on court. Speaking about her emotions, she said, "I'm crazy sometimes, too."
"But I try to stay calm because I know it's best for me... But believe me, inside I'm a storm."
Chwalinska will face 8th seed Mirra Andreeva, also playing as a neutral athlete from Russia, in the final on Friday.
"I will give it my all. It's a Grand Slam final," she said. "But for now, let me enjoy this moment... I just want to catch my breath, enjoy today, and then do my best to recover." (Edited by Yang Zhaoyan)
According to AFP, the 24-year-old Chwalinska, playing in her first French Open main draw after failing to qualify in three previous attempts, won 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 to advance to the final, securing her ninth win in three weeks at Roland Garros.
She is only the second female player in the Open Era (since 1968) to reach a Grand Slam final as a qualifier, following 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu.
After defeating Shnaider, who is playing as a neutral athlete from Russia, Chwalinska said her run to the final feels "like a dream."
Addressing the warm applause from the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier, she added, "I don't know what's happening. I really don't know what to say. I'm sorry, I'm just very happy."
Throughout her run, Chwalinska has maintained a calm and composed demeanor on court. Speaking about her emotions, she said, "I'm crazy sometimes, too."
"But I try to stay calm because I know it's best for me... But believe me, inside I'm a storm."
Chwalinska will face 8th seed Mirra Andreeva, also playing as a neutral athlete from Russia, in the final on Friday.
"I will give it my all. It's a Grand Slam final," she said. "But for now, let me enjoy this moment... I just want to catch my breath, enjoy today, and then do my best to recover." (Edited by Yang Zhaoyan)