Qualifier Maja Chwalinska continued her remarkable French Open journey by defeating 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya to reach the first Grand Slam semi-final of her career.
The Polish player produced an impressive 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 victory in challenging windy conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier. After converting match point, Chwalinska covered her mouth in disbelief as she celebrated the biggest win of her career.
Elite Company In Grand Slam History
Ranked 114th in the world, Chwalinska has become only the second qualifier after Nadia Podoroska in 2020 to reach the women’s singles semi-finals at Roland Garros.
She is also just the sixth qualifier in the Open Era to make a Grand Slam semi-final. Among those players, only Emma Raducanu went on to win the title when she famously lifted the US Open trophy in 2021.
Chwalinska’s next challenge could be world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who was scheduled to face Diana Shnaider later on Wednesday for a place in the last four.
From Mental Health Struggles To Grand Slam Glory
The achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for a player who once considered walking away from tennis altogether.
In 2021, Chwalinska took an indefinite break from the sport after struggling with depression and losing her passion for competition. Following an early exit in Wimbledon qualifying, she was uncertain whether she would ever return to professional tennis.
With support from family, friends and fellow players, including inspiration from athletes who openly discussed mental health challenges, Chwalinska gradually rediscovered her love for the game.
Five years later, she now finds herself among the final four players at Roland Garros.
Composed Display Against Kalinskaya
Chwalinska showed impressive mental strength during the quarter-final.
She raced into a 5-1 lead in the opening set before Kalinskaya fought back to force a tie-break. However, the Pole regained control at the crucial moment, winning five consecutive points from 3-2 down to secure the set.
The second set was equally tense. After failing to serve out the match once, Chwalinska broke back and eventually sealed victory on Kalinskaya’s serve.
Speaking after the match, she admitted the occasion had been overwhelming but insisted she remained focused on her game rather than the magnitude of the achievement.
Rankings Rise And Prize Money Boost
Chwalinska arrived in Paris with only two WTA Tour-level main-draw victories and just one previous Grand Slam match win to her name.
Now, after an eight-match winning streak that includes qualifying rounds and victories over seeded opponents and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, she is projected to break into the world’s top 30 for the first time.
Her run has also brought a significant financial reward. By reaching the semi-finals, Chwalinska has secured prize money of approximately £647,700, more than doubling her entire career earnings in less than two weeks.
Dream Run Still Alive
Whatever happens in the semi-finals, Chwalinska has already become one of the stories of the tournament.
From contemplating retirement due to mental health struggles to standing two wins away from a Grand Slam title, the 23-year-old has completed one of the most inspiring journeys of the 2026 French Open.
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