Maja Chwalińska reached the French Open final, according to The New York Times. The 24-year-old Polish tennis player achieved this milestone on June 1, 2026, in Paris, marking her first appearance in the main draw and becoming the second Polish woman to reach the semifinals in the Open Era.
What happened
Chwalińska, ranked No. 114 in the world, defeated No. 22 seed Anna Kalinskaya 7-6(3), 6-3 to secure her spot in the semifinals. After this victory, she continued her winning streak, defeating 22-year-old Russian Diana Shnaider 7-6(4), 6-4 to reach the final. Chwalińska is now recognized as the lowest-ranked French Open finalist in the Open Era.[1]
Her impressive run at Roland Garros has significantly increased her career earnings. Before the tournament, she had accumulated $864,030, while her French Open performance has earned her $1,624,000. “I’m just very proud that I stayed composed and managed to win this set,” Chwalińska said after her match against Kalinskaya.
Why it matters
Chwalińska’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her recent success comes after overcoming injuries and mental health challenges that hindered her career. By reaching the final, she represents a new wave of Polish talent following in the footsteps of four-time champion Iga Świątek.[2]
Background
On May 27, 2026, Chwalińska had not yet beaten a top-50 player, making her subsequent victories particularly remarkable. Her struggles included a knee surgery in 2022 and bouts of depression that led her to take a hiatus from the sport. “I was just lifeless, to be honest,” she reflected on that difficult period.[3]
What’s next
Chwalińska will compete in the French Open final on June 3, 2026, where she aims to cement her place among tennis’s elite by securing her first Grand Slam title.
