Qualifier Maja Chwalinska reaches French Open final in historic run
Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska has reached the French Open final in an unprecedented run at Roland Garros, completing a remarkable journey after overcoming severe depression and career-threatening injuries.
The 24-year-old dropped to the red clay in shock after winning her ninth consecutive match in Paris to secure a place in the championship decider.
She becomes the first qualifier in history to reach the women’s singles final at the tournament, and only the second to achieve the feat at any Grand Slam.
Battling back from the brink
Her extraordinary success arrives after a prolonged struggle on the lower-tier ITF circuits and significant off-court battles.
A first-round loss in Wimbledon qualifying in 2019 prompted a hiatus from the sport, as the former Australian Open junior finalist dealt with severe depression.
At her lowest point, the unseeded finalist admitted she associated tennis with immense pressure and prolonged periods of distress.
“I was struggling a lot and I thought that I just need to stay very strong, tough, and just keep practicing, but then I just couldn’t get out of bed anymore,” Chwalinska said.
“I needed to take a break, and I honestly didn’t know if I was going to come back or not.”
A steady return to the elite
The Polish player sought professional psychological support and spent time at her family home, using alternative sports like boxing to help reset her mindset.
She eventually returned to the court with renewed enthusiasm, successfully qualifying for Wimbledon in 2022 to record her first main-draw victory at a major.
However, a subsequent knee injury required surgery later that year, stalling her promising career trajectory once again.
Before arriving in the French capital this fortnight, the history-maker had never defeated a player ranked inside the world’s top 50.
Her extraordinary nine-match winning streak has now redefined her career, proving the immense depth of talent currently residing within the women’s game.
