A Cinderella Run for the Ages

Poland's Maja Chwalinska has written one of the most extraordinary stories in Grand Slam history, becoming just the second qualifier to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open Era after defeating Russia's Diana Shnaider at the French Open semi-finals.

The 24-year-old stunned the tennis world with a run that began before the main draw even started. Chwalinska advanced through three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw, playing in just her third Grand Slam. Her previous best at a major was a second-round appearance at Wimbledon in 2022 — making this fairytale all the more remarkable.

Historic Company: Only Raducanu Did This Before

According to stats provider Opta, Chwalinska and Emma Raducanu stand alone among men and women in having reached a major singles final from the qualifying rounds since the Open Era began in 1968. Crucially, Chwalinska is the first qualifier ever to reach the Roland Garros final in the professional era — on the very court where compatriot Iga Swiatek has lifted the trophy four times.

• Only the 2nd qualifier in Open Era (since 1968) to reach a Grand Slam final
• First qualifier in Roland Garros history to reach the women's final
• Dropped just one set across nine matches including qualifying rounds
• Defeated four top-50 players in the main draw
• Prize money jumps to €1.4 million for reaching the final (€2.8m if she wins)

The Moment — "Like a Dream"

Chwalinska sealed victory on her first match point with a powerful forehand winner down the line. She fell back with both hands on her face, then sat in her chair and panted heavily, her face buried in a towel. The emotion was entirely understandable.

"Like a dream, honestly, I don't know what's going on. I don't know what to say, sorry. Let me enjoy this moment for now."

— Maja Chwalinska, on-court interview after her semi-final win

Opponent Diana Shnaider was gracious in defeat, paying tribute to the Polish player's extraordinary movement: "All the kudos to Maja. She played amazing. She moves incredible on the court, she covers a lot. Even if you think that you won the point, she's there."

Saturday's Final: Chwalinska vs Andreeva

Standing between Chwalinska and the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen is 19-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva, who reached her first Grand Slam final earlier on Thursday by beating Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Andreeva had reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros two years prior, but this marks a major breakthrough.

First Final for Both — Nerves Will Decide

Saturday's final offers a fascinating contrast: a seasoned qualifier defying all odds against a teenage Russian prodigy chasing her first major title. It is a first Grand Slam final for both players, making it a genuine test of nerves on the Parisian clay. Whoever lifts the trophy, history has already been made.