Chwalinska makes history after stunning Shnaider to reach French Open final Maja Chwalinska, a qualifier ranked No. 114, has reached the French Open final after defeating 25th seed Diana Shnaider. She is the first qualifier in history to reach the French Open final and only the second qualifier to reach any Grand Slam final. Chwalinska’s unexpected success has even led to sponsorship assistance for her hotel costs.

• Maja Chwalinska, a qualifier, reached the Roland Garros final by defeating Diana Shnaider 7-6 (4), 6-4.
• She is the first qualifier in history to reach the French Open final and the second qualifier ever to reach a Grand Slam final.
• Chwalinska’s career had not indicated such success; she had never broken the top 100 before this tournament.
• Her prize money from the tournament is nearly double her career earnings.
• She will face Mirra Andreeva in the final.
• Chwalinska compensated for her lack of physical prowess with variation, intelligence, and courage, using slices, angles, and drop shots.