Daijiworld Media Network – Paris

Paris, Jun 5: Poland's Maja Chwalinska continued her dream run at the French Open, becoming the first qualifier in the Open Era to reach the women's singles final at Roland Garros.

The 24-year-old stunned sixth seed Diana Shnaider in the semifinals to book a title clash against Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, who advanced to her maiden Grand Slam final earlier in the day.

Chwalinska's remarkable journey has drawn comparisons with Emma Raducanu's historic US Open triumph in 2021. According to statistics provider Opta, Chwalinska and Raducanu are the only players in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam singles final after coming through the qualifying rounds.

Overcome with emotion after sealing victory on her first match point, Chwalinska fell to the clay before covering her face with her hands and later admitted she was struggling to process the achievement.

“It's like a dream. Honestly, I don't know what's going on,” she said after the match.

Playing in only her third Grand Slam main draw, Chwalinska has enjoyed a sensational fortnight in Paris. Before this tournament, her best performance at a major was reaching the second round at Wimbledon in 2022.

The Polish player has lost just one set in nine matches, including qualifying rounds, and has defeated four top-50 opponents during her run to the final.

Awaiting her in Saturday's title match is 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 to become the youngest French Open finalist in recent years. Andreeva had reached the semifinals at Roland Garros two years ago but will now be contesting her first Grand Slam final.

Chwalinska's breakthrough run has already guaranteed a substantial rise in the rankings and career earnings, with the Pole set to break into the world's top ranks if she lifts the trophy on Saturday.