Maja Chwalinska played her way to the semi-finals of the French Open as a qualifier. The Pole has an unusual style of play that regularly leaves her opponents desperate.
She seemed to look around almost in disbelief. But the people who look over the balustrade on the glamorous Court Philippe Chatrier actually wanted to get autographs and other memorabilia like sweatbands or towels from her. About the young Polish woman who was in front of the French Open probably only insiders knew. From the 24-year-old, the 114th in the world, who has now won her eighth game in Paris along with her qualifying matches – and who is now delighting the entire tennis world.
A truth that she probably didn’t even dare to dream of a few days ago: Maja Chwalinska is in the semi-finals of the French Open – after a deserved 7:6 (7:3), 6:3- Quarterfinalsswin against the Russian Anna Kalinskaya. Now she has to compete against the next Russian, the Sabalenka conqueror Diana Shnaider.
Quiet, shy, almost incredulous
It’s the little stories of outsiders that inspire audiences the most. The fact that Chwalinska had hoped after reaching the round of 16 that the prize money she had won up to that point would be transferred to her quickly because otherwise she would not have been able to afford another night in her hotel is one of these extraordinary and heartwarming stories.
Chwalinska no longer needs to worry about this. Your semi-final entry will be rewarded with the proud prize money of 750,000 euros.“I know I’m repeating myself: but every single game here is crazy for me”she struggled for words after her next coup. The woman, only 1.64 meters tall, stood quietly, shyly, almost in disbelief in this large arena after her triumph.
Fast legs and a remarkable timing
She showed herself to be extremely self-confident on the red clay and presented her opponent Kalinskaya with impossible tasks with her varied game, which is rarely found in women’s tennis. Solid groundstrokes, clever stops and precise lobs were the means of success for Chwalinska, who was able to compensate for her weakness in her serve.
“In the past, people didn’t give her much credit because of her size and she was often laughed at because of that. But she has found her own way. She drives the other players crazy with her style of play. They hate tennis when they have to play against Maja because she doesn’t give them any rhythm.”says Jakub Piter of the Sportschau.
The professional trainer, who works for the Polish Tennis Association PZT and has known Chwalinska for many years, knows about the young woman’s strengths. “She has incredibly good and fast legs and remarkable timing”says Piter, who also mentions its advantages outside of the tennis court: “She is absolutely down-to-earth and has a good distance from herself.”
Good friend Iga Swiatek
At the age of seven, the then little girl, who was born in the Silesian town of Dabrowa Gornicza, very close to Katowice, picked up the bat for the first time.
She was quickly recognized as a great talent and was able to celebrate sporting success as a junior. With her compatriot Iga Swiatek, she made it to the doubles final of the youth competition in 2017 Australian Open.
Maja Chwalinska (l.) and Iga Swiatek at the Billie Jean King Cup in 2022.
Short-term depression
But the (sporting) paths of the two players diverged. While Swiatek went from success to success and became number one in the world, things turned out completely differently for Chwalinska. Her health played tricks on her.
In 2021, she suffered from depression for four months. “The time off wasn’t particularly hard”she said. She moved back in with her parents and old friends and got therapy. Now she doesn’t seem to feel any of it anymore.
Swiateks Physiotherapist
How close she is still with Swiatek is shown by the fact that after her early exit from Roland Garros, Swiatek left her strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist Maciej Ryszczuk in Paris specifically for Chwalinska. A great service to friendship that has certainly contributed to the recent successes.
The figures show how high this success can be classified. Chwalinska is the second-lowest ranked women’s singles semifinalist ever at the French Open, behind No. 361 Lois Boisson, who reached the semifinals in Paris a year ago. And she is only the second Pole behind Swiatek to reach the semi-finals in Paris.
Can Chwalinska now also do it against Shnaider? “Why not? She’ll definitely annoy the Russian again.”says Piter.