Mirra Andreeva’s remarkable charge toward a first Grand Slam title gathered even more force on Thursday, while qualifier Maja Chwalinska extended her own fairytale run to book one of the most unexpected French Open finals in recent memory.
With defending champion Coco Gauff, four‑time winner Iga Świątek and world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka all eliminated early, Roland Garros became wide open for a new champion and both Andreeva and Chwalinska seized the moment with fearless tennis.
Nineteen‑year‑old Andreeva powered past Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6‑1, 6‑3 in a politically charged semi‑final marked by the now‑familiar absence of a handshake, as Ukrainian players continue their stance following Russia’s 2022 invasion. Once play began, Andreeva dominated from the baseline, overwhelming Kostyuk with depth, precision and relentless aggression.
“I never actually thought that I would be able to win big tournaments, or be in a Grand Slam final,” Andreeva admitted afterward. A victory on Saturday would make her the first teenager to win a major since Gauff’s 2023 US Open triumph.
Chwalinska then delivered her own moment of history, defeating Russia’s Diana Shnaider 7‑6(4), 6‑4 to become only the second qualifier in the professional era to reach a Grand Slam final the first being Emma Raducanu during her stunning 2021 US Open run. The Polish underdog held her nerve in the tightest moments, calling the match “mentally and physically challenging” and saying she was “super happy” to have fought through.
Roland Garros is now guaranteed a brand‑new women’s champion, and all eyes will turn to Court Philippe‑Chatrier to see which of these two extraordinary journeys ends with the Suzanne Lenglen Cup held high.
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