Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will meet in the women’s singles final at the French Open on Saturday, in one of the most unlikely championship matchups in recent Grand Slam history.For eighth-seeded Andreeva, the final presents an opportunity to become the first Russian woman to win the French Open since Maria Sharapova claimed her second Roland Garros title in 2014.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.She secured 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 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. Her fellow Pole Iga Swiatek has won the French Open four times.Earlier on Thursday, the 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 had reached the French Open semifinals two years ago, while this is Chwalinska’s first semifinal appearance at WTA Tour level.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 feat achieved only once before
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.
