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Maja Chwalinskaβs 2026 French Open run is giving Emma Raducanu 2021 US Open vibes
There has been so much drama at the 2026 French Open that Polish tennis player and qualifier Maja Chwalinskaβs run into the second week has nearly gone unnoticed.
Chwalinska is ranked outside the WTA 100 and dropped her first set in six matches (three qualifiers and three main draw) on Saturday against Maria Sakkari. The 24 year old has three ITF titles on her resume, and prior to this yearβs Roland Garros, her best Grand Slam performance was advancing to the second round at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
There is a lot of tennis yet to be played, but as Chwalinska continues to plow through the draw, fans will start talking more and more about her Emma Raducanu-like run in a Grand Slam. Raducanu remains the only qualifier to ever win a Grand Slam, a feat that many believe will never be replicated.
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Chwalinska took down big opponents
Chwalinska has already defeated Paris Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng and Belgian Elise Mertens, the 23rd seed. She defeated both players by the identical score of 6-4, 6-0.
Her next challenge will be massive. She plays the winner of the Diane Parry and Amanda Anisimova match. If Parry wins, she will deal with the French crowd, something she managed in qualifiers when she defeated Suzan Lamens in a tight one 7-6, 7-5. Should the fourth seed Anisimova win, that will be the highest ranked opponent Chwalinska has faced so far.
Chwalinska has also competed with and against her compatriot Iga Swiatek since they were kids.
May 29, 2026; Paris, France; General view of Court Simonne-Mathieu during the Rafael Jodar of Spain and Alex Michelsen of the United States match on day six at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
In her postmatch interview, she mentioned needing to book a hotel for a third week, a realistic financial concern for players outside the Top 100. since her earnings this year are at about $100,000, and not getting a paycheck from her French Open success until later.
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Though defending champion Coco Gauff and WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka are still in the womenβs singles draw, it feels like anyone could win the title. Watch the French Open, now through June 7, on TNT Sports and Tennis Channnel.
