Poland’s Maja Chwalinska Makes History with French Open Final Appearance

Maja Chwalinska of Poland defeats Diana Shnaider to become the second qualifier ever to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open Era.

Published On 4 Jun 20264 Jun 2026

Poland’s Maja Chwalinska reached the French Open final for the first time since the tournament began in 1891, after a stunning 7‑6(4), 6‑4 victory over Russia’s Diana Shnaider. The 24‑year‑old qualifier is only the second player in Open‑Era history to make a Grand Slam final after coming through qualifying, following Emma Raducanu’s 2021 US Open run.

Chwalinska will face Russia’s 16‑year‑old Mirra Andreeva, who advanced to the final by defeating Marta Kostyuk 6‑1, 6‑3 at Court Philippe‑Chatrier. Andreeva last appeared in a Roland Garros semifinal two years ago, while this is Chwalinska’s first WTA semifinal of any level.

During the match, Chwalinska saved her first match point with a powerful forehand winner down the line and then physically celebrated in a moment that reflected the magnitude of her achievement. “It feels like a dream, honestly. I don’t know what’s happening,” she said after the match. “Let me enjoy this moment for now.”

Having already competed in three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw, Chwalinska has participated in only her third Grand Slam event. Before this, her best Grand Slam result was a second‑round appearance at Wimbledon in 2022. Polish champion Iga Świątek has won the French Open four times.

In the flu‑tipped clash, Chwalinska’s rope‑tight defense and aggressive forehand domination propelled her to victory. She dropped only one set across nine matches—including the qualifiers—and defeated four top‑50 players en route to the final.

If she wins the title, her world ranking is expected to surge from 114th to 14th, and her prize money would climb from $864,030 to €1.4 million for the runner‑up share, or €2.8 million for a title win.

Shnaider, who had a medical timeout to recover in the second set, praised Chwalinska’s athleticism, noting that “she covers a lot and is incredible on the court.”

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