Chwalinska Continues Dream Run at French Open
Qualifier Maja Chwalinska defeated Anna Kalinskaya to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open. The world number 114 secured a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 victory over the 22nd seed on a blustery day in Paris, leaving her visibly shocked by the achievement.
Chwalinska is the second qualifier since Nadia Podoroska in 2020 to reach the singles semi-finals at Roland Garros. She is only the sixth qualifier in the Open era to reach the women's singles semi-finals at a Grand Slam tournament.
Only one qualifier, Britain's Emma Raducanu at the 2021 US Open, has gone on to win the title.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka could be Chwalinska's opponent in the semi-finals, with the Belarusian scheduled to face Russian Diana Shnaider later on Wednesday.
"I honestly don't know what is going on," Chwalinska told the crowd. "I know I repeat myself, but every match here is kind of crazy for me."
Remarkable Progress for Chwalinska
Chwalinska's run is especially remarkable considering she entered the tournament with only two victories in WTA Tour-level main-draw matches. Her only previous Grand Slam match win was at Wimbledon in 2022. She now boasts an eight-match winning streak on the Parisian clay, having dropped just one set throughout the tournament.
Her performance marks a significant turnaround for a player who once contemplated leaving the sport.
Overcoming Mental Health Challenges
Chwalinska struggled with depression for two years and took an indefinite break from tennis after losing in the first round of qualifying at Wimbledon in 2021. At that time, she was uncertain about returning to professional tennis, having lost her enjoyment of training and competing.
With support from those around her, openness from fellow players like Naomi Osaka regarding mental health, and brief attempts to engage in other sports, Chwalinska gradually found her way back to the tennis court.
This journey has culminated in her first major semi-final appearance and a potential David-versus-Goliath match against title favorite Sabalenka.
Chwalinska's Composed Performance in Paris
Throughout the tournament, Chwalinska has played with infectious freedom and creativity, defeating two seeded players and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen along the way.
Against Kalinskaya, she maintained composure despite letting a 5-1 lead slip in the first set. She then won five consecutive points from 3-2 down in the tie-break to take the lead. In the second set, she recovered after being broken while serving for the match and eventually clinched victory on Kalinskaya's serve.
"I was definitely nervous. I am stressed, of course, but I try to focus on my job and my games," Chwalinska said. "I am not focusing on confidence. I am playing against the best players in the world, so I will not compare myself to them."
Implications of the Semi-Final Appearance
Regardless of the outcome in the semi-finals, Chwalinska is projected to rise significantly in the rankings, potentially entering the world's top 30.
By reaching the semi-finals, she has secured prize money totaling £647,700, more than doubling her career earnings of £642,400 within just 10 days.
Additional Tournament Updates
Other notable news includes Kostyuk dedicating a historic win to Ukraine and Zverev preparing to face Mensik after ending Jodar's run.
