PARIS — Polish world number 114 Maja Chwalinska admitted she felt “overwhelmed” by her shock run from qualifying to the final of the French Open, following her semi-final victory over Diana Shnaider.
The 24-year-old’s 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 victory over Russian 25th seed Shnaider made her only the second woman to come through qualifying and reach a Grand Slam final in any major since the Open era began, after Emma Raducanu’s title run at the US Open in 2021.
Chwalinska will meet Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva in Saturday’s title-decider.
After sending a forehand winner past Shnaider on her first match point on Court Philippe Chatrier and collapsing to the ground, Chwalinska told reporters she felt “so many emotions”.
“I was just in such a shock. You know, just, I don’t know, joy, surprise,” she added of that victorious moment on court.
“I was just very, I feel like, overwhelmed also.”
Appearing in her first main draw in Paris, Chwalinska, who had on three previous occasions failed to qualify for Roland Garros, has won nine matches across her three-week French Open campaign to stand on the brink of glory.
“I didn’t have many experiences, many opportunities before to play against such great players and high-ranked players,” she said according to AFP.
“So it’s actually the first time that I have this opportunity. I’m happy that I’m taking it.”
Chwalinska said her run to the final was “like a dream” moments after beating Shnaider.
“I don’t know what’s going on, I just, I dunno what to say. I’m sorry, I’m just very happy,” she added to raucous applause on Court Philippe Chatrier.
One aspect of her run has been her ice-cold composure on court across.
“I’m crazy sometimes also, yeah,” Chwalinska said of her emotions.
“But I try to stay composed because I know it’s the best way for me… But inside there’s a storm believe me.”
She added that despite her cool, calm exterior, she was acutely aware that she was on the edge of achieving something monumental.
“Let’s not pretend someone expected it,” Chwalinska said. “I mean, I was outside the top 100, and now I’m in the finals of a Grand Slam, so I feel like it’s a big thing.”
In an intriguing clash of styles between the variety of Chwalinska’s game and the power-hitting of Shnaider, it was the diminutive Pole who earned the first break to get 3-1 ahead before the Russian struck back.
After edging the first set on a tie-break, the second frame was level until Shnaider requested a medical time-out for a back massage. After that stoppage, at 4-3, Chwalinska won the next three games to claim victory.
“I will give my all, it’s a Grand Slam final,” Chwalinska said, looking forward.
“Let me enjoy this moment for now… I just want to breathe a little, enjoy it today then just recover as best I can,” she added of preparations for her 10th and final match of the tournament.
