Mira Andreeva and Maja Chalinska will square off in the women’s singles final at the French Open on Saturday, one of the most unpredictable championship matches in recent Grand Slam history.For eighth-seeded Andreeva, the final offers a chance to become the first Russian woman to win the French Open since Maria Sharapova claimed her second Roland Garros title in 2014.Chulenska made history on Thursday by becoming the second qualifier to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open Era. The Polish player defeated Russia’s Diana Schneider 7-6 (4), 6-4 in the semi-finals.He won with a forehand winner on his first match point. After the win, Chulenska collapsed onto the court, covering her face with both hands before sitting in her chair with a towel over her head.“Like a dream, honestly I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what to say, sorry,” she said during her on-court interview. “Let me enjoy this moment now.”Chwalinska has come through three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw and is playing only her third Grand Slam tournament. Prior to this event, his best result at a major was reaching the second round of Wimbledon in 2022. Her partner Pole Aga Svetek has won the French Open four times.Earlier on Thursday, 19-year-old Andreeva advanced to her first Grand Slam final with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Marta Kostyuk on Court Philippe-Chatrier.Andreeva reached the semifinals of the French Open two years ago, while this is Chulenska’s first semifinal appearance at the WTA Tour level.Chulenska has lost just one set in nine matches, including qualifying. During his run, he defeated four top-50 players in the main draw. According to the WTA, if she wins the title, her ranking will rise from 114 to 14.The tournament has also brought a huge cash prize. Cholenska’s career prize money before Roland Garros was $864,030. By reaching the finals, he is guaranteed 1.4 million euros (about $1.6 million). Winning the title will earn him 2.8 million euros (about $3.25 million).
Pursuing a feat achieved only once before.
Chalinska, 24, is now one win away from the feat of Emma Radukano, who won the US Open in 2021 after qualifying.Chulenska and Radukano are the only men or women to reach a Grand Slam singles final from the qualifying rounds since the Open Era began in 1968, according to statistics company Opta.Raducanu made history by defeating Leila Fernandez in the final of the 2021 US Open, becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title.Chalinska now has a chance to follow the same path when she takes on Andreeva in the final at Roland Garros on Saturday.
