Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Maja Chwalinska continued one of the most remarkable stories of this year’s French Open after defeating Diana Shnaider on Thursday to reach her first Grand Slam final. The Polish world number 114 won 7 to 6, 6 to 4 on Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris and became only the second woman in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam final through qualifying since Emma Raducanu’s US Open triumph in 2021.
The 24 year old now stands one victory away from completing an extraordinary rise after entering Roland Garros without previously reaching the main draw in Paris.
Chwalinska will face eighth seed Mirra Andreeva in Saturday’s final.
Emotional scenes after historic victory
After converting match point with a forehand winner, Chwalinska collapsed onto the clay as emotions immediately took over.
Speaking afterward, she admitted the scale of the achievement had not yet fully sunk in.
“I was just in such a shock,” Chwalinska said.
“Joy, surprise.”
“I feel like overwhelmed also.”
The Polish player later struggled to explain her feelings during her on court interview.
“I don’t know what’s going on.”
“I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry, I’m just very happy.”
The result capped an incredible three week journey that has already seen Chwalinska win nine matches from qualifying through to the championship match.
She had previously failed to qualify for Roland Garros on three separate occasions.
“I didn’t have many experiences, many opportunities before to play against such great players and high ranked players,” she said.
“So it’s actually the first time that I have this opportunity. I’m happy that I’m taking it.”
From uncertainty to the biggest stage
Chwalinska’s rise becomes even more remarkable when considering what happened five years ago.
Following a first round qualifying loss at Wimbledon, she stepped away from tennis indefinitely while battling depression.
At the time, she was uncertain whether she would ever return to professional tennis.
Back in Poland, Chwalinska worked with mental health specialists while focusing on recovery away from the sport.
She also took up running and boxing during her break.
During that period she added a small tattoo to her left hand with one word.
Free.
Asked about its meaning after reaching the final, Chwalinska declined to explain.
“I will keep it to myself. You can make your own stories.”
Only four months after stepping away, she returned to professional tennis.
Now she finds herself one win away from a Grand Slam title.
Calm outside, chaos inside
Throughout the tournament, one of the striking aspects of Chwalinska’s performances has been her composure.
She admitted, however, that appearances can be misleading.
“I’m crazy sometimes also,” she said.
“But I try to stay composed because I know it’s the best way for me.”
“Inside there’s a storm believe me.”
Chwalinska also acknowledged few people expected her to still be competing this late into the tournament.
“Let’s not pretend someone expected it.”
“I was outside the top 100, and now I’m in the finals of a Grand Slam.”
“So I feel like it’s a big thing.”
How Chwalinska beat Shnaider
The semi final itself presented an interesting contrast.
Chwalinska relied on movement, variation and court craft against the more aggressive power game of Russian 25th seed Diana Shnaider.
The Pole gained an early advantage by moving ahead 3 to 1 before Shnaider recovered.
A tight first set eventually reached a tie break where Chwalinska produced some of her best tennis.
The second set remained evenly balanced until Shnaider requested a medical timeout for treatment on her back at 4 to 3.
Following the stoppage, Chwalinska won the final three games to secure victory.
One match from history
Saturday’s final against Mirra Andreeva now presents the biggest match of Chwalinska’s career.
Victory would deliver not only a maiden Grand Slam title but also a dramatic rankings jump.
By reaching the final she is already guaranteed to climb to world number 21.
Winning the title would move her inside the top 15.
For now, Chwalinska says she is trying not to think too far ahead.
“I will give my all, it’s a Grand Slam final,” she said.
“Let me enjoy this moment for now.”
“I just want to breathe a little, enjoy it today then just recover as best I can.”
After arriving in Paris through qualifying, Chwalinska now stands one victory away from completing one of tennis’ most unexpected Grand Slam stories.