Iga Swiatek may no longer be in the French Open draw, but she still has someone to cheer for. Just a day before the women's singles final, the former world No. 1 made it clear who she wants to see lifting the trophy in Paris. Swiatek shared a French Open graphic featuring the two finalists on her Instagram story and posted a short message for fellow Pole Maja Chwalinska. She wrote 'Jazda,' a Polish word often used to mean 'Come on' or 'Let's go,' while tagging Chwalinska and adding fire and strength emojis.
The message caught fans' attention because the two players have known each other for years. Long before Swiatek became a six-time Grand Slam champion, she and Chwalinska were growing up together on the junior circuit. They even reached the 2017 Australian Open girls' doubles final as partners. As Chwalinska's dream run in Paris has continued, fans have also been sharing old videos of the pair laughing and spending time together at events such as the United Cup, showing the strong friendship they have built over the years.
Iga Swiatek Backs Maja Chwalinska as Polish Qualifier Chases Historic French Open Title
Maja Chwalinska has often spoken about how much Swiatek's success has meant to her. During a press conference at the French Open, she explained the connection they have shared since childhood. 'We've known each other since we were 10 years old. We definitely have a long history together, she's a great champion and a huge inspiration for all of us in Poland,' Maja Chwalinska said.
Now, Chwalinska is trying to create a piece of history of her own. Her journey in Paris started three weeks ago in the qualifying rounds, where she won three matches without losing a set. Once she reached the main draw, she continued to surprise everyone.
The Polish left-hander defeated Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in her opening match, dropping only four games. She then followed that win with another upset against 23rd seed Elise Mertens. Her toughest challenge came in the third round against Maria Sakkari. Chwalinska lost her first set of the tournament but fought back to win the match in three sets.
The remarkable run continued during the second week. She beat France's Dianne Parry and then overcame 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya. In the semifinals, she edged past Diana Shnaider to secure the biggest result of her career and reach her first Grand Slam final.
On Saturday, Chwalinska will face eighth seed Mirra Andreeva for the title. A victory would make her only the second Polish player to win a Grand Slam singles title after Iga Swiatek. It would also make her just the second qualifier in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles trophy, following Emma Raducanu's memorable US Open triumph in 2021.
