Few people would have known the name Maja Chwalinska prior to Roland Garros.
But with her charge from qualifying to a maiden Grand Slam final at the claycourt major, the 24-year-old from Poland has made stunning history throughout the fortnight.
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Here are 10 things that you need to know about tennis’s newest sensation.
1. Her start in tennis
Born to a receptionist mother and a mining father in Dabrowa Gornicza, an industrial town located in Poland’s south, Chwalinska first picked up a racquet at age seven.
Scouted at a school recruitment program, she trained at the local sports and recreation centre, where she was involved in their ‘Tennis Talent’ campaign for 12 years.
2. Inspired by the Big Three
Like many players, Chwalinska idolises Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and often watches their old matches for inspiration.
"I was the biggest fan of Roger. When I started tennis, it was all about Roger. Then there was Rafa, then Novak,” she said. “Sometimes I still watch some of their old matches and it's like poetry, really.”
3. Picture-perfect moments
With her astonishing Roland Garros run taking her onto Court Philippe Chatrier, Chwalinska ticked a big item off her bucket list: taking a photo of Nadal’s plaque on the famed centre court.
"I'm really grateful for this opportunity. It's such a beautiful court,” she said. “I was very excited.”
4. She'd never defeated a top-50 player
It’s crazy to consider, but Chwalinska’s first-round victory over world No.56 Zheng Qinwen was initially the biggest win of her career.
She has since recorded four top-50 wins, prevailing against Elise Mertens, Maria Sakkari, Anna Kalinskaya and most recently, Diana Shnaider.
5. She's making major history
Chwalinska is in uncharted territory as the first qualifier to reach a Roland Garros final.
Victory over Mirra Andreeva in the final would see her become only the second Polish player to win a Grand Slam singles title, joining close friend Iga Swiatek.
6. Her Swiatek connection
Chwalinska's friendship with Swiatek, which started when they were 10 years old, extends beyond the WTA Tour.
The pair enjoyed considerable success as junior doubles partners, including a Grand Slam final appearance. At AO 2017, they finished runners-up to Canadians Bianca Andreescu and Carson Branstine in the girls' doubles event.
"Iga and I have a lot of history in common," Chwalinska said. "We went through a lot together and it brought us together."
7. More junior milestones
Alongside contributing to European Team Championship glory, Chwalinska also guided Poland to the nation’s first Junior Fed Cup title in 11 years in 2016.
The Poles defeated an American team featuring Amanda Anisimova, Claire Liu and Caty McNally in the final.
8. She stepped away from tennis
While Chwalinska was living the dream of playing professional tennis, she also endured an 18-month battle with depression.
Following her exit in Wimbledon 2021 qualifying, she took an indefinite break from the sport. Running and boxing helped fill the void, but Chwalinska eventually returned to tennis with renewed perspective – and far less pressure on herself to succeed.
What a way to qualify for your first Grand Slam final 🤩 #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/QsZMwVWOGL
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2026
9. She's a “dorky” character
While she enjoys standard off-court activities – spending time with friends, shopping and having coffee – Chwalinska believes she is far from your typical character. "I think I'm dorky," she told wtatennis.com. "I like to have fun. I love people as well, so I think I'm friendly as well.”
10. Her life is about to change
Chwalinska’s Cinderella campaign will result in an astronomical pay cheque and a significant rankings rise.
Entering Roland Garros with career prize money earnings tallying USD $864,030, she is already guaranteed $1.6 million from this tournament alone. Should she take home the crown, her career earnings would soar to almost five times that amount.
Ranked world No.114 at the start of the tournament, Chwalinska is provisionally ranked world No.21, which will improve to world No.14 if she wins on Sunday.