The Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska is sensationally in the final of the French Open. The 24-year-old had to overcome a few hurdles on the way there. She also had problems in the weeks in Paris. At least these are behind her now.
While tennis Germany is focusing its attention entirely on Alexander Zverev in the days of the French Open, the Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska has written a true fairy tale and made it sensationally to the final.
With her journey to the final in Paris, the Pole is only the third player ever to reach her first final on the tour at a Grand Slam, after Emma Raducanu (US Open 2021) and Venus Williams (US Open 1997). In addition, after Raducanu, she is only the second qualifier in history to reach a Grand Slam final.
This was not foreseeable before the tournament. Chwalinska admitted after the first week that she had only booked her hotel room for a short period of time and actually had no money to extend her stay. “Because we don’t get the check until after the tournament,” she explained with a smile. A Polish company ultimately stepped in and covered the costs of their accommodation for the second week.
A millionaire in just two weeks
This will no longer be necessary in the future, as the Pole has secured $1.6 million in prize money just by reaching the final. For comparison: Before the French Open, her prize money account totaled “only” $864,000.
How hard and difficult her journey has been so far has gradually become clear over the last few days. For example, a screenshot of a message from her manager from 2023 appeared online. It said: “I am looking for someone who lives in Melbourne and would provide a home for Polish tennis player Maja Chwalinska and her coach during the Australian Open.” She didn’t have money for a hotel at the time.
Tennis high-flyer without a backer
Chwalinska caused a stir at the French Open, among other things, with her constantly changing outfits. There wasn’t a sponsor’s name on any of them, and the manufacturers were always different.
After the semi-final, the Pole was asked why and replied: “Actually, there is no story. I’m not sponsored, so I guess that’s the story.” Like the money problem, this worry will soon be put to rest, regardless of the outcome of the final on Saturday, in which the 24-year-old qualifier wants to cause a sensation again.
What is already certain: She will make a gigantic leap in the world rankings. From 113th place it will definitely go into the top 25. It is the temporary culmination of a young career that was anything but easy until Paris.