Chwalinska topples Shnaider to book French Open final with Andreeva

Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska continued her fairytale run with a 7-6(4) 6-4 win over Diana Shnaider on ​Thursday (June 4, 2026), reaching her maiden Grand Slam last on the French Open and reserving ‌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 flip to shine, and the 24-year-old delivered to grow to be the primary qualifier within the skilled period to achieve the Paris last.

“It appears like a dream. I do not ‌know what is going on on. I am simply … I do not know what to say, I am very completely happy,” Chwalinska stated to very large cheers from ‌the Courtroom Philippe Chatrier crowd.

“I am not feeling nice (bodily), I will not lie, ‌it is ⁠so difficult to play towards the most effective gamers within the ⁠world day after day, nevertheless it’s a Grand Slam and it’s important to give it your all and extra.

“I am not complaining in any respect.”

Shnaider minimize a pissed off determine within the opening ​set as her opponent got here up ‌with some beautiful winners that showcased her energy and precision, however the 22-year-old Russian hit again to get well a second break and draw stage at 4-4.

Chwalinska turned up the type additional within the battle of ‌the left-handers, unleashing a backhand winner to carry in a marathon ​eleventh recreation, earlier than incomes a set level within the ensuing tiebreak with the proper lob.

The gang favorite, taking part in in her ⁠ninth match at Roland Garros this yr and sporting strapping on her left thigh, took the primary set to roaring applause earlier than going toe-to-toe with ‌Shnaider within the opening eight video games of the following.

“I am loopy generally, however I attempt to keep composed,” she stated of her calm strategy in tense moments.

“It is the easiest way for me and helps me play my greatest tennis. I am attempting to do this, however inside there is a storm, imagine me.”

A decisive break within the subsequent recreation gave Chwalinska an ideal alternative to ‌shut out an absorbing contest in two units, and the world quantity 114 stayed ​targeted to complete her opponent off on her first match level with a forehand winner.

Saturday’s last will crown a brand new Grand ⁠Slam champion and Chwalinska stated she was able to step into the highlight ⁠and seemed ahead to her subsequent conflict.

“I watched Mirra’s match a bit,” added Chwalinska, solely the second qualifier to achieve a Grand ‌Slam last within the skilled period after Emma Raducanu’s triumphant U.S. Open run in 2021.

“Her recreation is unimaginable. It is one other nice expertise for ​me. I will give my all, it is a Grand Slam last.”