Polish qualifier $2.3m richer as fairy-tale continues
Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska continued her fairytale run at Roland Garros, reaching her maiden grand slam final and booking a title showdown with Russian Mirra Andreeva.
After 19-year-old Andreeva sealed a 6-1, 6-3 semi-final win over Marta Kostyuk, it was Chwalinska’s turn to shine, and the 24-year-old delivered to become the first qualifier in the professional era to reach the Paris final, defeating Diana Shnaider 7-6(4), 6-4.
Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska continued her fairytale run. Stan
Chwalinska became the first qualifier to reach a grand slam final since Emma Raducanu made history at the US Open in 2021.
Earlier in the tournament, Chwalinska jokingly asked for help paying for a hotel room, but after clinching a place in the final, she will have tripled her career earnings during her time in Paris.
Chwalińska had earned just over $1.2m ($US864,000) before her historic run in Paris.
By reaching the final, she secured just under $2.3m ($1,624,000) in prize money for the tournament alone, bringing her total career earnings to over $3.3m ($US2.4m).
If she wins against Andreeva, she’ll pick up over $4.5m ($US3,248,000).
“It feels like a dream. I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just ... I don’t know what to say, I’m very happy,” Chwalinska said to huge cheers from the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd.
“I’m not feeling great (physically), I won’t lie, it’s so challenging to play against the best players in the world day after day, but it’s a grand slam and you have to give it your all and more.
“I’m not complaining at all.”
Chwalinska will play Mirra Andreeva in the final. Stan.
The crowd favourite, playing in her ninth match at Roland Garros this year and sporting strapping on her left thigh, took the first set to roaring applause before going toe-to-toe with Shnaider in the opening eight games of the next.
“I’m crazy sometimes, but I try to stay composed,” she said of her calm approach in tense moments.
“It’s the best way for me and helps me play my best tennis. I’m trying to do that, but inside there’s a storm, believe me.”
A decisive break in the next game gave Chwalinska a great opportunity to close out an absorbing contest in two sets, and the world No.114 stayed focused to finish her opponent off on her first match point with a forehand winner.
The final will crown a new grand slam champion and Chwalinska said she was ready to step into the spotlight and looked forward to her next clash.
“I watched Mirra’s match a bit,” added Chwalinska.
“Her game is incredible. It’s another great experience for me. I’ll give my all, it’s a grand slam final.”
As well as the massive payday, Chwalinska’s world ranking is expected to soar towards the top-30 regardless of the outcome of the final.
Andreeva progressed to the final of the French Open after a semi-final victory described as one of “the cleanest matches you’d hope to play”.
The 19-year-old defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 after losing twice to the Ukrainian this year, including the Madrid Open final.
Mirra Andreeva reacts after winning her semi-final. AP
Andreeva was clinical in the first set as her opponent struggled in the wind.
The second set started in similar fashion with Andreeva leading 4-1 before dark clouds led to the closure of the roof. The match did not stop despite the roof slowly shutting above.
“This is a first, I’ve never actually seen the roof close while play is underway,” Todd Woodbridge said on Nine’s coverage.
“Usually, they halter or bring it in tight, but they’ve played all the way through closing.”
Kostyuk then won a 26-shot rally when it was 4-2 to lead 30-0 on Andreeva’s serve which lead to concern over the roof decision from Woodbridge.
“That’s a brilliant point, but you can see the difference already because of it,” he said.
“I’m going to say something here ... this is still an outdoor tournament, it hasn’t rained yet. They’ve changed the conditions of this match, and it’s going to make a difference to the end of the scoreline.
“If it doesn’t rain, tournament officials will have something to answer for, it is completely unfair to the situation for Andreeva who was handling these conditions far better than her opponent.”
Kostyuk then held Andreeva to love on her serve to force the break at 4-3.
Ultimately, the teen fought back brilliantly and didn’t concede a game from there before screaming for joy after winning match point.
“Possibly one of the best matches she’s played in a short career,” Woodbridge said.
“I think that’s one of the cleanest matches you’d ever hope to see ... she’s played the quarters that way, the semis that way, and now she has the chance in the final of a grand slam.”
Post-match, Andreeva was complimentary of her opponent before noting a motivation for revenge after the Madrid Open defeat.
“I was very nervous coming into this match, obviously she’s had an amazing season ... I’m super happy with the way I played today and then I’m happy I got revenge from the Madrid final,” she said.
“Then I’m happy I’m in my first-ever grand slam final ... I’ve never felt anything like this before and I’m just very excited about my last match here in Paris.”
