Maja Chwalinska has become the first qualifier in history to reach the French Open women's final, defeating Diana Shnaider in the semi-finals on Thursday. The Polish world No. 114 won 7-5, 6-4 to extend her winning streak to nine matches, including three in qualifying.
Chwalinska, 22, will face eighth seed Mirra Andreeva in Saturday's final. She is the first player to go through qualifying to reach the French Open final, and only the second woman to make a grand slam showpiece as a qualifier after Emma Raducanu at the 2021 US Open.
“It’s like a dream, honestly,” Chwalinska said after her victory. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what to say, I’m just very happy.” She added: “It’s challenging, but it’s a grand slam, so you’ve just got to give your all and more. I’m not complaining at all.”
In the men's semi-finals on Friday, Jakub Mensik faces Alexander Zverev from 1.30pm BST, followed by Flavio Cobolli against Matteo Arnaldi not before 6pm BST.
