Polish qualifier $1.2m richer after shock French Open upset
Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska could not believe that her dream run at the French Open would continue into the semi-finals, having achieved that feat on Wednesday after defeating 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya.
The world No.114 went through three qualifying rounds before entering the main draw and has now reached the semis with a 7-6(3), 6-4 win over Kalinskaya.
Maja Chwalinska reacts after winning match point. Getty
It was not an easy win for the 24-year-old, who prior to this year’s French Open had never survived past the second round at any major tournament.
A blistering forehand by Kalinskaya sealed the deal for Chwalinska, with the shot from the back of the court going straight out.
Chwalinska, in a state of disbelief, covered her face as the crowd cheered.
“I honestly don’t know what is going on,” she said in her on-court interview.
Chwalinska is the only Polish woman to ever reach the semi-finals at the event alongside Iga Swiatek, who was eliminated in the fourth round on Sunday.
Maja Chwalinskacelebrates winning match point against Anna Kalinskaya Matthew Stockman
Not only did she etch her name alongside her nation’s top-ranked tennis star, but she also became the sixth qualifier to ever reach this stage in a grand slam women’s singles draw in the Open era.
The likes of Nadia Podoroska and Emma Raducanu are among those to have achieved the feat in the past, with the latter going on to win the 2021 US Open as a qualifier.
“I’m playing against the best players in the world,” Chwalinska said, “I won’t compare myself to them.”
“I just try to win every match I’m playing. I’m not focusing on confidence.
“I know I repeat myself but every single match here is kind of crazy for me.”
Chwalinska had only accumulated $1.1m AUD before taking to the courts at Roland Garros. She has now earned $1.2m from this tournament alone.
She will now turn her sights to her next opponent, which will be the winner of world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and Diana Shnaider’s match.
