‘Like a dream’: Polish qualifier books historic Roland-Garros final against teen queen

The most chaotic of Roland-Garros fortnights continues to deliver.

Unheralded Pole Maja Chwalinska has become the first qualifier in tennis’ open era to reach the final at the claycourt major, adding to her string of upsets with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 triumph over Russia’s Diana Shnaider to book a showdown with Mirra Andreeva.

Chwalinska collapsed onto the red dirt in elation after flashing a forehand past Shnaider to extend a Cinderella run that evokes memories of Brit Emma Raducanu’s unlikely 2021 US Open title.

After greeting Shnaider at the net, she returned to her courtside chair and buried her face in a towel as her emotions spilled over.

The 24-year-old had battled injuries and won just two WTA-level matches until this tournament, but is guaranteed to rise from No.114 in the world to be on the verge of the top 20 – and could join her countrywoman Iga Swiatek as a Roland-Garros champion.

“It is like a dream, honestly. I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what to say,” Chwalinska said. “I’m just very happy … it’s another great experience for me. I will, for sure, give my all. It’s a grand slam final.”

Chwalinska insisted there was a “storm” brewing inside her mind that contrasted greatly with her calm exterior, which mirrors her game style. At 165 centimetres, the left-hander does not overwhelm her opponents with raw power, but instead by using a wonderful blend of angles, smarts and skill.

Like everyone else in the past two-and-a-half weeks, 25th-seeded Shnaider could not solve the Chwalinska riddle despite having her chances.

Shnaider recovered an early break to force a first-set tiebreak, and roared with delight after going 4-2 up following an excellent point where she ran Chwalinska ragged. But the unflappable Pole reeled off the next five points to claim the set, including a brilliant drop volley after a stealthy net attack.

They traded breaks to start the second set, and games remained on serve until Shnaider sought a medical timeout to have back and hip ailments attended to.

Far from being distracted, Chwalinska held for four-all, then turned the screws with her court craft on full display. She secured the match-winning break with another exquisite drop shot that Shnaider could not retrieve before sealing her passage to the final in the next game.

If Chwalinska’s final berth is wholly unexpected, teenage starlet Andreeva’s maiden grand slam final is a major step towards fulfilling the destiny many tipped for her.

Fellow teenagers Joao Fonseca and Rafael Jodar stole the headlines with quarter-final runs in the men’s draw, but Andre