Key facts
- Maja Chwalińska reached the French Open final.
- She is the first qualifier in the Open Era to reach the Roland-Garros final.
- Her victory guarantees a seven-figure paycheck.
- She is projected to jump to world No. 21.
Polish qualifier Maja Chwalińska has made history by reaching the French Open final, defeating Diana Shnaider in the semifinals. The 24-year-old's victory guarantees her a seven-figure paycheck, a stark contrast to her earlier struggles to afford her hotel in Paris. Chwalińska is the first qualifier in the Open Era to reach the Roland-Garros final and the second to reach any Grand Slam final, following Emma Raducanu's 2021 US Open win. Her run is projected to elevate her ranking to around world No. 21, granting her direct entry into future Grand Slam main draws. The financial implications of her success are described as 'life-changing.' She will face 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the final.