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Maja Cwalinska became the first qualifier since Emma Radukanu’s famous US Open victory in 2021 when she stunned 25th seed Diana Schneider in their French Open semi-final.
Cwalinska has qualified for the main draw of a Grand Slam just twice, winning one match at Wimbledon in 2022, before her remarkable run to the French Open final where she will face 19-year-old eighth seed Mira Andreeva.
Andreeva made light work of Marta Kostyuk in the first semi-final on Thursday, beating the Ukrainian 6-1 6-3, before Chowalinska beat Schneider in straight sets 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in Saturday’s final.
Snyder’s high of knocking out world number one Aryna Sabalenka 24 hours ago was derailed by a qualifier.
The 22-year-old cut a disappointing figure in the opening set against Rusen Chowlinska, as her opponent produced some stunning winners that showcased her power and precision to earn the first break at 3-1.
Schneider immediately hit back to break and level at 3-3, but Chowalinska brought back the style in the battle of left-handers, unleashing a marathon backhand winner in the 11th game before earning a set point in the ensuing tie-break with a perfect lob.
In the second set, the decisive break came in the ninth game, before the 24-year-old Chwalinska sealed the match, winning her first match point with a forehand winner.
Chowalinska crumpled to the clay in joy and disbelief, and had to pause before her court interview as the crowd chanted her name.
“Like a dream,” he finally said when asked how the achievement felt. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what to say.
“I’m not feeling well (physically), I’m not going to lie, it’s very challenging to play against the best players in the world day after day, but it’s a Grand Slam and you have to give it your all.
“I’m not complaining at all.”
No handshakes and no pictures as Andreeva defeated Ukraine’s Kostyuk
Andreeva will be competing in her first Grand Slam final as she ended Kostyuk’s 17-match unbeaten run on clay with an impressive performance in the other semi-final, winning 6-1 6-3.
Russia’s Mira Andreeva reacts after her semi-final win over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk.
The 19-year-old Russian handled her second Roland-Garros semi-final with aplomb, banishing any painful memories from her first two years ago when she lost to Jasmine Paolini.
“I’m still very nervous,” Andreeva said later. “I was very nervous coming into this match, he had an amazing season. He is an amazing player, a very tough opponent and I am very happy.
“I’m happy that I’m in my first Grand Slam final. All these feelings combined, it’s amazing.
“I just told myself that no matter what happens, I’m going to fight and do my best. With that kind of mentality, I’m going to win.”
The atmosphere was somewhat tense before the match as the players were photographed separately as they each stood next to two children on their respective sides of the net. Usually the players stand right next to each other and pose for the same picture.
Kostyuk and countrywoman Oleksandra Olynikova, in particular, spoke about the impact Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was having on their country during the tournament.
When the match began, Kostyuk Andreeva – the first Ukrainian woman in the open era to reach the semi-finals in Paris – failed to convert three break points while leading 0-40 in Andreeva’s opening service game, before falling 4-0 behind.
Double faults and wild errors contributed to her poor start and, although she held a long fifth game on serve, Andreeva wrapped up the opening set in just 33 minutes.
It was the pair’s third meeting of the year, with Kostyuk winning the other two, including the Madrid Open final last month – but she couldn’t get a foothold here and Andreeva again went 3-0 up in the second set.
At 4-1, a lifeline reached for Kostyuk as the roof closed on Court Philippe Chatrier while thunder rolled outside.
The Ukrainian hit harder in the wind but suddenly the situation was predictable and he took two games back.
However, Andreeva wasn’t letting the moment slip through her fingers and she took the win after just one hour and 16 minutes.
There was no post-match handshake between the two players as Kostyuk left quickly, turning only to wave and kiss the crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier, which saw some fans decked out in Ukrainian flags.
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