Maja Chwalińska's Remarkable Journey to French Open Final

WHO:

CNN - Maja Chwalińska, a 24-year-old Polish qualifier.

CNN - Diana Shnaider, a Russian player.

CNN - Mirra Andreeva, a 19-year-old Russian teenager.

CNN - Iga Świątek, a Polish player who has won the French Open four times.

NY Post - Emma Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open.

BBC - Marta Kostyuk, a Ukrainian player.

WHAT:

CNN - Chwalińska's total prize money from the tournament has reached $1,624,000 after her semifinal victory.

Business Insider - Chwalińska's projected ranking after her final match is around No. 21, which would give her direct entry into the main draws of the remaining Grand Slams this year.

AP News - Chwalińska's total prize money heading into Roland Garros was $864,030; by reaching the final she gets 1.4 million euros (about $1.6 million), and winning would earn her 2.8 million euros ($3.25 million).

CNN - Chwalińska's ranking will rise from No. 114 to No. 14 if she wins the tournament.

AP News - Chwalińska mentioned, “I’m going to drink my tea,” regarding her routine before the final.

AP News - Chwalińska expressed, “I feel like I am in a bubble, I don’t know what’s going on,” reflecting on her experience during the tournament.

CNN - Chwalińska's best result at a major before this was the second round at Wimbledon in 2022.

CNN - Chwalińska has dropped only one set in her nine matches, including qualifying.

CNN - Chwalińska's run included victories over four top-50 players in the main draw.

AP News - Chwalińska stated, “I honestly don’t know what was going on in my head. I was just in such a shock,” after her semifinal victory.

CNN - Chwalińska sealed her victory with a powerful forehand winner down the line, then fell back with both hands on her face and sat on her chair, panting heavily with her face buried in a towel.

AP News - Andreeva said, “I am still very, very nervous. I was nervous coming into this match,” before her final.

AP News - Andreeva mentioned, “All of these feelings combined, it is amazing - I have never felt anything like this before.”

AP News - Chwalińska's total prize money from the tournament has reached $1,624,000 after her semifinal victory.

Business Insider - Chwalińska's projected ranking after her final match is around No. 21, which would give her direct entry into the main draws of the remaining Grand Slams this year.

Sportskeeda - Chwalińska's manager, Piotr Szczypka, revealed he was on the verge of a "nervous breakdown" after her semifinal win.

Business Insider - Chwalińska is the first qualifier ever to reach the Roland-Garros final.

Business Insider - Chwalińska's projected ranking after her semifinal win is around No. 21.

Business Insider - Chwalińska mentioned she was running out of money to pay for her hotel in Paris before her semifinal victory.

Business Insider - Chwalińska had already earned roughly $150,000 by reaching the second round before her semifinal.

Business Insider - The Roland-Garros champion will take home €2.8 million, or about $3.25 million, while the runner-up will collect €1.4 million, or about $1.63 million.

CNN - Chwalińska's run included victories over four top-50 players in the main draw.

AP News - Chwalińska mentioned, “I honestly don’t know what was going on in my head. I was just in such a shock,” after her semifinal victory.

AP News - Chwalińska stated, “I’m going to drink my tea,” regarding her routine before the final.

AP News - Chwalińska expressed, “I feel like I am in a bubble, I don’t know what’s going on,” reflecting on her experience during the tournament.

CNN - Andreeva described the French Open as a “cozy” tournament and enjoys her time in Paris, stating, “I really like to walk around the city, to go into those little restaurants on the street.”

AP News - Andreeva said, “I am still very, very nervous. I was nervous coming into this match,” before her final.

AP News - Andreeva mentioned, “All of these feelings combined, it is amazing - I have never felt anything like this before.”

CNN - Chwalińska's ranking will rise from No. 114 to No. 14 if she wins the tournament.

CNN - Andreeva is seeded No. 8 in the tournament.

BBC - Andreeva is the third-youngest woman to reach the Roland Garros final this century, after Coco Gauff in 2022 and Kim Clijsters in 2001.

BBC - If Andreeva wins, she would become the third-youngest first-time Grand Slam champion this century, after Maria Sharapova and Emma Raducanu.

CNN - Chwalińska stated, “Like a dream, honestly, I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what to say, sorry,” during her on-court interview after reaching the final.

AP News - Chwalińska said, “I’m going to drink my tea,” regarding her routine before the final.

AP News - Chwalińska expressed, “I feel like I am in a bubble, I don’t know what’s going on,” reflecting on her experience during the tournament.

AP News - Chwalińska mentioned, “I honestly don’t know what was going on in my head. I was just in such a shock,” after her semifinal victory.

CNN - Chwalińska has a chance to become only the second qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament after Emma Raducanu won the 2021 US Open.

CNN - Chwalińska's best result at a major before this was the second round at Wimbledon in 2022.

CNN - Shnaider had a medical timeout after the seventh game of the second set during her match against Chwalińska.

CNN - Andreeva is seeded No. 8 in the tournament.

CNN - Kostyuk stated, “I will never forget the ovations I received after my match in quarterfinals. This is something I will carry with me forever,” regarding her support from fans during the tournament.

CNN - Chwalińska has a chance to match Emma Raducanu’s title run at the 2021 US Open when she plays Mirra Andreeva in the final.

CNN - Chwalińska's run included victories over four top-50 players in the main draw.

CNN - Chwalińska's total prize money will increase to 1.4 million euros (about $1.6 million) for reaching the final, and 2.8 million euros ($3.25 million) if she wins.

BBC - Andreeva is the third-youngest woman to reach the Roland Garros final this century, after Coco Gauff in 2022 and Kim Clijsters in 2001.

BBC - If Andreeva wins, she would become the third-youngest first-time Grand Slam champion this century, after Maria Sharapova and Emma Raducanu.

CNN - Chwalińska reached the French Open final by defeating Shnaider 7-6 (4), 6-4.

CNN - Chwalińska is the second qualifier to reach a grand slam singles final in the Open Era.

CNN - Chwalińska has dropped only one set in her nine matches, including qualifying.

CNN - Chwalińska's ranking will rise from No. 114 to No. 14 if she wins the tournament.

CNN - Chwalińska's total prize money before the tournament was $864,030; reaching the final earns her 1.4 million euros (about $1.6 million), and winning would earn her 2.8 million euros ($3.25 million).

BBC - Andreeva reached her first Grand Slam final by defeating Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3.

WHERE:

CNN - The matches took place at Roland Garros, Paris.

BBC - The semifinal match occurred on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

WHEN:

CNN - Chwalińska will play Andreeva in the final on Saturday.

WHY:

BBC - The backdrop of the match included the ongoing impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has been denounced by Kostyuk.

HOW:

Business Insider - Chwalińska mentioned that the Polish company Oshee helped cover her hotel expenses during the tournament.

CNN - Shnaider had a medical timeout after the seventh game of the second set during her match against Chwalińska, where she flexed her left leg while lying on her back.

CNN - Andreeva saved three break points at 0-40 in her opening service game against Kostyuk.

CNN - Chwalińska sealed her victory with a powerful forehand winner down the line, then fell back with both hands on her face and sat on her chair, panting heavily with her face buried in a towel.

CNN - Andreeva converted her first match point when serving for her victory against Kostyuk.

CNN - Chwalińska sealed her victory with a powerful forehand winner on her first match point.

CNN - Andreeva converted her first match point when serving for her victory.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 19:31 UTC)

Chwalińska's impressive semifinal victory has propelled her total prize money from the tournament to $1,624,000, and if she wins the final, she could earn an additional $3.25 million. Her projected ranking after the final is around No. 21, which would grant her direct entry into the main draws of the remaining Grand Slams this year, and winning the tournament could elevate her ranking from No. 114 to No. 14. Reflecting on her journey, Chwalińska expressed feeling "in a bubble" and admitted to being in shock after her semifinal win, where she sealed her victory with a powerful forehand winner.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 17:34 UTC)

After her impressive semifinal victory, Chwalińska's total prize money from the tournament has soared to $1,624,000. With her projected ranking expected to rise to around No. 21 following the final match, she will secure direct entry into the main draws of the remaining Grand Slams this year. Meanwhile, her manager, Piotr Szczypka, shared that he was on the verge of a "nervous breakdown" after her win, and Chwalińska noted that the Polish company Oshee assisted with her hotel expenses during the tournament.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 15:51 UTC)

In a historic achievement, Chwalińska has become the first qualifier ever to reach the Roland-Garros final. Following her semifinal victory, her projected ranking is expected to be around No. 21, and she has already earned approximately $150,000 by reaching the second round. The champion of Roland-Garros will take home €2.8 million, which is about $3.25 million, while the runner-up will receive €1.4 million, or around $1.63 million.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 13:52 UTC)

In an impressive run at Roland Garros, Chwalińska secured victories over four top-50 players and is set to earn 1.4 million euros for reaching the final, with a potential win bringing her total to 2.8 million euros. After her semifinal victory, she expressed her shock, saying, “I honestly don’t know what was going on in my head,” and mentioned her routine of drinking tea before the final. Meanwhile, Andreeva described the French Open as a “cozy” tournament, sharing her excitement about being in Paris, while also admitting to feeling very nervous ahead of her final match.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 06:20 UTC)

In an exciting turn of events at Roland Garros, Chwalińska could see her ranking soar from No. 114 to No. 14 if she clinches the tournament title, which would also boost her prize money significantly. Currently, she has earned $864,030, and reaching the final guarantees her 1.4 million euros, while a victory would net her 2.8 million euros, translating to about $3.25 million. Meanwhile, Andreeva, seeded No. 8, is making headlines as the third-youngest woman to reach the final this century, and if she wins, she would become the third-youngest first-time Grand Slam champion of the century, following in the footsteps of Maria Sharapova and Emma Raducanu.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 04:19 UTC)

In an emotional on-court interview, Chwalińska described her journey to the final as surreal, saying, “Like a dream, honestly, I don’t know what’s going on.” She also shared her pre-final routine, stating simply, “I’m going to drink my tea,” while reflecting on her tournament experience, expressing, “I feel like I am in a bubble.” Meanwhile, Shnaider took a medical timeout during her match against Chwalińska after the seventh game of the second set, as she flexed her left leg while lying on her back.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 01:41 UTC)

Chwalińska is on the verge of making history, as she could become only the second qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament, following Emma Raducanu's victory at the 2021 US Open. Meanwhile, Andreeva, who is seeded No. 8, expressed her fondness for the French Open, calling it a “cozy” tournament and enjoying her time exploring Paris. Kostyuk reflected on her experience, saying, “I will never forget the ovations I received after my match in quarterfinals,” highlighting the incredible support she felt from fans during the event.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 23:22 UTC)

In an exciting matchup, Chwalińska is set to face Mirra Andreeva in the final, with a chance to replicate Emma Raducanu’s impressive title run at the 2021 US Open. Chwalińska's remarkable journey to the final included victories over four top-50 players, and her total prize money will rise to 1.4 million euros for reaching this stage, potentially doubling to 2.8 million euros if she claims the title. Meanwhile, Andreeva, who has made history as the third-youngest woman to reach the Roland Garros final this century, could become the third-youngest first-time Grand Slam champion if she secures a win.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 21:28 UTC)

Maja Chwalińska, a 24-year-old Polish qualifier, has made history by reaching the French Open final after defeating Russian player Diana Shnaider with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-4, making her the second qualifier to achieve this feat in the Open Era. Chwalińska will face 19-year-old Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, who secured her spot in the final by beating Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3, in a match that took place at Roland Garros on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The final is set for Saturday, and if Chwalińska wins, her ranking will soar from No. 114 to No. 14, and she could take home a prize of 2.8 million euros, roughly $3.25 million.