Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will face off in the women's singles final at the French Open on Saturday, marking one of the most unexpected championship matchups in recent Grand Slam history.
Andreeva's Quest for History
For eighth-seeded Andreeva, the final presents a chance to become the first Russian woman to win the French Open since Maria Sharapova claimed her second Roland Garros title in 2014. The 19-year-old booked her place in a first Grand Slam final with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory over Marta Kostyuk on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Thursday. Andreeva had previously reached the French Open semifinals two years ago, showcasing her consistency on clay.
Chwalinska's Remarkable Run
Chwalinska made history on Thursday by becoming only the second qualifier in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam singles final. The Polish player defeated Russia's Diana Shnaider 7-6 (4), 6-4 in the semifinals, securing victory with a forehand winner down the line on her first match point. After the win, an emotional Chwalinska fell to the court with both hands covering her face before sitting in her chair with a towel over her head.
"Like a dream, honestly I don't know what's going on. I don't know what to say, sorry," she said during her on-court interview. "Let me enjoy this moment for now."
Chwalinska came through three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw and is playing only her third Grand Slam tournament. Before this event, her best result at a major was reaching the second round at Wimbledon in 2022. Notably, her fellow Pole Iga Swiatek has won the French Open four times. This is Chwalinska's first semifinal appearance at WTA Tour level, making her run even more impressive.
Impressive Statistics
Chwalinska has lost only one set in nine matches, including qualifying. During her run, she defeated four top-50 players in the main draw. According to the WTA, her ranking would rise from No. 114 to No. 14 if she wins the title. The tournament has also brought a major financial reward: Chwalinska's career prize money before Roland Garros stood at $864,030. By reaching the final, she is guaranteed 1.4 million euros (about $1.6 million). Winning the title would earn her 2.8 million euros (about $3.25 million).
Chasing a Rare Feat
The 24-year-old Chwalinska is now one win away from matching the achievement of Emma Raducanu, who won the US Open in 2021 after coming through qualifying. According to statistics provider Opta, Chwalinska and Raducanu are the only men's or women's players to reach a Grand Slam singles final from the qualifying rounds since the Open Era began in 1968. Raducanu created history by defeating Leylah Fernandez in the 2021 US Open final, becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title. Chwalinska now has the chance to follow the same path when she faces Andreeva in Saturday's final at Roland Garros.
