Maja Chwalinska makes French Open history going from qualifier to tournament finals

Maja Chwalinska continued her historic run to become the second women’s qualifier, and the first at Roland Garros, to reach a Grand Slam final. She was able to defeat left-hander Diana Schnaider for a 7-6 (4), 6-4 win.

“She is first qualifier in history to reach the Roland Garros final. A statement that most people would’ve thought was unthinkable at the start of Roland Garros. The world #114. 9th consecutive win since the start of qualifying,” The Tennis Letter wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Chwalinska saved two break points to hold for 6-5 in the opening set after her break advantage was erased by Schnaider. Both players traded breaks to begin the second set before Chwalinska won her third return game.

“It’s like a dream. Honestly, I don’t know what is going on. I don’t know what to say, I’m sorry,” Chwalinska said after the match. “It is so challenging to play against the best players in the world day by day. It is a Grand Slam, so you have to give your all and more – I am not complaining at all.”

Chwalinska will be contesting her third main-draw major title, with her last two appearances coming during the 2022 Wimbledon and 2025 Australian Open. If she defeats Mirra Andreeva in Saturday’s championship, she would join Emma Raducanu as qualifiers to capture major trophies.

For now, Chwalinska will most likely celebrate this victory in hopes of continuing her deep run in the French Open. She’s shown that when it’s time to lock, she’ll get the job done.