Contrasting Journeys to the French Open Final
Salut! The teenage prodigy faces the 24-year-old qualifier and 500-1 outsider; as paths to a first grand slam final go, Mirra Andreeva’s and Maja Chwalinska’s could not be more different.
Andreeva, who emerged on the WTA Tour as the most precocious 15-year-old in 2023 and reached the semi-finals in 2024, has long been tipped for major success. Now, at 19, the Russian appears to be developing the temperament to complement her exceptional talents and take that final step.
Chwalinska, after progressing through the junior ranks in Poland alongside Iga Swiatek, struggled to make an impact as a professional. Following a failure to qualify for Wimbledon in 2021, she took an indefinite break from tennis due to depression.
“I pushed at the beginning, but then I just couldn’t get out of bed any more,”
she says. “I was lifeless. I knew I needed to take a break. I honestly didn’t know if I was going to come back.”
Return and Remarkable Run at Roland Garros
When she felt strong enough to return, Chwalinska qualified for her first grand slam and won a round at Wimbledon in 2022, marking her only major match victory before this incredible and improbable run in Paris, which began in qualifying 19 days ago. After nine victories and dropping just one set, Emma Raducanu’s status as the only qualifier to have won a slam is now under threat. Early in the tournament, Chwalinska’s only concern was how to pay her hotel bill, a problem now resolved as she is guaranteed at least £1.2 million for reaching the final.
Playing Style and Final Challenge
Chwalinska’s run has been notable for her craft and cunning, which have confounded more powerful opponents, providing a throwback style in a sport dominated by big hitters. However, the challenge today is formidable: Andreeva not only hits the ball hard but also combines that power with significant variety and possesses one of the highest tennis IQs on tour. In Andreeva, Chwalinska faces a more accomplished version of herself.
This sets up a unique challenge for Andreeva, who must maintain her newfound emotional balance and handle the pressure of being the clear favorite in the biggest match of her career. It promises to be an engaging contest.
La finale commence: 15h à Paris/2pm UK. Restez à l’affût!
