Tennis world blown away over 'shock' moment at French Open never seen before in 58 years

Maja Chwalinska has become the first qualifier in tennis history to reach the French Open final, setting up a decider with Mirra Andreeva. World No.114 Chwalinska beat Aryna Sabalenka's conqueror Diana Shnaider 7-6 (4) 6-4 to continue her fairytale run at Roland Garros.

The Polish player had to go through qualifying just to make the main draw of the French Open, but by making the final she's created some incredible history. Never before in the 58 years of professional tennis' 'Open era' had a qualifier made the Roland Garros final.

It's only ever been done once before at the other majors - in 2021 when Emma Raducanu won the US Open. "I don't know what's going on, I just, I dunno what to say," Chwalinska said on court. "I'm sorry, I'm just very happy.

"I was just in such a shock. You know, just, I don't know, joy, surprise. I was just very, I feel like, overwhelmed also. I feel like I am in a bubble, I don't know what's going on. After the tournament it will be time to process it - breathe in, breathe out."

Tennis fans and commentators were left stunned on Thursday night when Chwalinska continued her remarkable run and created history.

Maja Chwalinska and Mirra Andreeva in French Open final

Andreeva had earlier raced into her first grand slam final by beating an erratic Marta Kostyuk 6-1 6-3. The 19-year-old Russian said she was "so focused that I could see those hairs on the ball" as she romped to victory in just 76 minutes.

Andreeva had twice lost to Ukrainian Kostyuk this season, including the Madrid Open final. "I'm super happy with the way I played and then that I got revenge for Madrid final and I'm happy that I'm in my first-ever grand slam final," Andreeva said.

Kostyuk was on a 17-match winning streak on clay heading into her first-ever slam semi-final, but quickly unravelled on Court Philippe Chatrier. She finished the match with 34 unforced errors, saying afterwards: "Obviously not the greatest match from me today."

Click here to read article