By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
When the French Open began three weeks ago, few outside the most dedicated tennis circles knew much about Maja Chwalinska. Now, the 24 year old Polish qualifier stands one win away from completing one of the most remarkable Grand Slam runs the sport has ever seen.
With little pedigree, 114th-ranked Chwalinska’s breakthrough is a lesson in what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance. “I feel like I’m in the bubble. I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just very happy to be here,” said Chwalinska, who was a 500-1 outsider at the start of the tournament.
On Saturday, Chwalinska will face Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in the Roland Garros final, with both players chasing their first Grand Slam title. Yet the paths they have taken to reach this moment could hardly be more different.
For Andreeva, this stage has long felt inevitable.
The 19 year old arrived in Paris as the world No. 8 and one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis. A prodigy since her breakthrough as a 15 year old, Andreeva has already collected multiple WTA titles, climbed into the world’s elite and built a reputation as a future major champion.
“This is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time,” Andreeva said. “I feel like I’m getting more mature with every match I play.”
Chwalinska’s story is the complete opposite. Ranked No. 114 in the world, she had never advanced beyond the second round of a Grand Slam before this tournament. In fact, she had only successfully come through major qualifying twice in 14 attempts.
Just four years ago, reaching the second round at Wimbledon represented the biggest moment of her career. There were periods when her ranking dropped so low that she could not even enter Grand Slam qualifying draws.
Her journey has also included significant personal challenges. In 2021, Chwalinska stepped away from tennis while battling depression, unsure whether she would ever return to the sport.
Now she is on the verge of history.
Since entering qualifying on May 18, Chwalinska has won nine consecutive matches, defeating a string of established players including Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, former world No. 3 Maria Sakkari and Diana Shnaider.
The remarkable run has transformed her career almost overnight. “Let’s not pretend anyone expected this,” Chwalinska said. “I was outside the top 100 and now I’m in the final of a Grand Slam. It’s hard to process.”
Her success has been built on intelligence rather than power. Standing just 5 foot 5, Chwalinska uses variation, movement and exceptional court coverage to frustrate opponents. While many players rely on overwhelming shot making, she wins points through patience, consistency and tactical discipline.
Saturday’s final presents a fascinating contrast.
Andreeva possesses the firepower, athleticism and experience of competing at the highest level. Chwalinska arrives with momentum, confidence and nothing to lose.
The Russian enters as the clear favourite and is bidding to become the youngest French Open champion this century. Chwalinska is chasing a place in tennis history as the first qualifier ever to win the French Open.
One player represents the sport’s future superstar. The other has become its most unlikely story. By Saturday evening in Paris, one of them will leave with a first Grand Slam trophy and a career forever changed.