Maja Chwalinska became the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Emma Raducanu’s famous US Open triumph in 2021 as the world No 114 stunned 25th seed Diana Shnaider in their French Open semi-final.
Chwalinska had only twice qualified for a Grand Slam main draw, winning one match at Wimbledon in 2022, prior to her remarkable run to the French Open final where she will face 19-year-old eighth seed Mirra Andreeva.
Andreeva made light work of Marta Kostyuk in the first semi-final on Thursday, beating the Ukrainian 6-1 6-3, before Chwalinska also cruised into Saturday’s final in straight sets, beating Shnaider 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.
Shnaider went from the high of knocking out world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka to being bamboozled by a qualifier in 24 hours.
The 22-year-old Russain cut a frustrated figure in the opening set against Chwalinska, as her opponent came up with some stunning winners that showcased her power and precision to earn the first break at 3-1.
Shnaider immiediately hit back to break and level at 3-3, but Chwalinska turned up the style again in the battle of the left-handers, unleashing a backhand winner to hold in a marathon 11th game, before earning a set point in the ensuing tie-break with a perfect lob.
In the second set, the decisive break came in the ninth game, before the 24-year-old Chwalinska served out the match, clinching victory on her first match point with a forehand winner.
Chwalinska collapsed to the clay in delight and disbelief, and she had to pause before her on-court interview while the crowd chanted her name.
“Like a dream,” she eventually said when asked how the achievement felt. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what to say.
“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.
“I’m not complaining at all.”
