French Open: Maja Chwalinska becomes only second qualifier to reach Grand Slam final; who was first

Poland’s Maja Chwalinska reacts after winning her semifinal tennis match against Russia’s Diana Shnaider at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP) Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska meet in the French Open women’s singles final on Saturday in one of the most unlikely championship matches in modern Grand Slam history.For eighth seed Andreeva, the final presents an opportunity to become the first Russian to win the French Open since Maria Sharapova claimed her second title at Roland Garros in 2014.Chwalinska made history on Thursday by becoming just the second qualifier in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam singles final. The Polish player defeated Russian Diana Shnaider 7:6 (4), 6:4 in the semifinals.She secured the victory with a forehand winner down the line on her first match point. After the win, Chwalinska fell to the court with both hands covering her face before sitting on a chair with a towel over her head.“Like a dream, I honestly don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what to say, I’m sorry,” she said during an interview in court. “Let me enjoy this moment for now.Chwalinska made it through three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw and is playing just her third Grand Slam tournament. Prior to this event, her best finish at a major was reaching the second round at Wimbledon in 2022. Fellow Pole Iga Swiatek has won the French Open four times.On Thursday, 19-year-old Andreeva booked her place in a first Grand Slam final with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Marta Kostyuk on Court Philippe-Chatrier.Andreeva reached the semifinals of the French Open two years ago, while this is Chwalinska’s first semifinal appearance at the WTA Tour level.Chwalinská lost only one set in nine matches, including qualification. During her run, she beat four top-50 players in the main draw. According to the WTA, her ranking would rise from 114th to 14th if she won the title.The tournament also brought a large financial reward. Chwalinska’s career earnings prior to Roland Garros were $864,030. By reaching the final, he is guaranteed 1.4 million euros (about $1.6 million). Winning the title would net her 2.8 million euros (about $3.25 million).

Chasing an achievement achieved only once before

Chwalinska, 24, is now one win away from Emma Raducanu winning the 2021 US Open after qualifying.According to statistics provider Opta, Chwalinska and Raducanu are the only players, male or female, to reach a Grand Slam singles final from the qualifying rounds since the start of the Open Era in 1968.Raducanu made history by defeating Leylah Fernandez in the 2021 US Open final to become the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title.Chwalinska now has a chance to follow the same path when she takes on Andreeva in Saturday’s Roland Garros final.