Paris, June 5: Polish tennis player Majka Chwalinska, 24, has made history at the French Open 2026. She reached the Grand Slam final for the first time by defeating Russia’s Diana Schneider in the women’s singles semifinals with a score of 7-6(4), 6-4. With this victory, Chwalinska becomes the first qualifier in the tournament’s history to advance to the women’s singles final at Roland Garros.
Currently ranked 114th in the world, Chwalinska has won a total of nine matches in this tournament, including three in the qualifying rounds and six in the main draw. Her achievement places her among only two qualifiers to reach a Grand Slam final in the Open Era, the first being Britain’s Emma Raducanu at the 2021 US Open, where she also claimed the title.
In the semifinal match, Chwalinska impressed everyone with her exceptional gameplay. She maintained pressure on Schneider by consistently changing spin, speed, and shot direction. Her excellent fitness, quick movements, and strong defense played a crucial role in her victory. The semifinal lasted two hours and ten minutes.
After her win, an emotional Chwalinska sat on the court, expressing, “It feels like a dream come true. I still can’t believe what I’ve achieved. I’m so happy, and I can’t put my feelings into words.” This accomplishment places her in an elite group, making her only the third woman to reach the final in her first main draw appearance at Roland Garros, following Ivo Goolagong (1971) and Chris Evert (1973).
In the final, Chwalinska will face eighth seed Mira Andreeva. This will be their first encounter, promising an exciting match. Chwalinska stated, “I’ve already played nine matches here, so I have a good understanding of the court conditions. I’ve watched Mira play, and she is performing exceptionally well. This is a big opportunity for me, and I will try my best in the final.”
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