PARIS: Diana Shnaider’s French Open campaign came to an abrupt end on Thursday as Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska produced a career-defining performance to reach her maiden Grand Slam final with a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory, setting up a title clash with Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva.
On a day of high drama at Roland Garros, Chwalinska held her nerve under the Court Philippe Chatrier roof to outlast the 22-year-old Russian in a tense, momentum-shifting contest. The world number 114, playing in only her ninth match at the venue this year, showcased remarkable resilience to overturn Shnaider’s resistance and seal the win on her first match point.
Shnaider had briefly fought back after losing early control, recovering a break to level the opening set at 4-4, but Chwalinska’s shot-making and composure in key moments proved decisive. The Polish left-hander clinched the opener in a tiebreak before breaking at a crucial stage of the second set to complete the upset.
Earlier in the day, Andreeva confirmed her place in Saturday’s final with a commanding 6-1 6-3 win over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk. The 19-year-old Russian barely faltered as she raced through the opening set and maintained control throughout to reach her first Grand Slam final.
The match carried added tension due to political undertones between the two players, with Kostyuk, as has become customary for Ukrainian players since Russia’s invasion in 2022, declining the traditional pre-match photograph and handshake.
The women’s semi-finals capped a week of fluctuating fortunes in Paris, where conditions and endurance have played a decisive role.
The men’s side also delivered more surprises on Wednesday, with Italy continuing its remarkable surge at Roland Garros.
Matteo Arnaldi advanced to his maiden Grand Slam semi-final after compatriot Matteo Berrettini retired injured while trailing 7-5, 5-2. Berrettini, who required treatment for hip discomfort earlier in the second set, ultimately withdrew at the change of ends, bringing a premature end to the all-Italian quarter-final.
In another quarter-final, Flavio Cobolli battled through difficult wind conditions to defeat Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4, completing a spirited comeback after dropping the opening set.
Cobolli, one of three Italian men to reach the latter stages, recovered from a slow start and capitalised on improved conditions after the Court Philippe Chatrier roof was closed. The 24-year-old grew in confidence as the match progressed, eventually overpowering the fourth seed to book his place in the semi-finals.
He will now face Arnaldi in an all-Italian last-four clash, guaranteeing at least one Italian finalist at Roland Garros.
Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2026