PARIS, JUN 5 (AGENCIES): Mirra Andreeva’s dream run towards a maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open gathered momentum on Thursday while qualifier Maja Chwalinska continued her own fairytale to set up an unlikely final in Paris. Early exits for marquee names including defending champion Coco Gauff, four-times winner Iga Swiatek and world number one Aryna Sabalenka opened the door for a new cast of contenders, and both Andreeva and Chwalinska seized their chances.
After 19-year-old Russian Andreeva secured a 6-1 6-3 win over Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in a politically-charged semi-final, Chwalinska downed another Russian in Diana Shnaider 7‑6(4) 6‑4 to continue her remarkable run.
Roland Garros was already guaranteed a new women’s champion, and all eyes will be on Court Philippe Chatrier to witness which of the two contrasting journeys culminates in Grand Slam glory and who hoists the Suzanne Lenglen Cup on Saturday. As has become practice for Ukrainian players since Russia’s invasion of their country in 2022, Kostyuk did not pose for the traditional pre-match photograph with Andreeva and there was no handshake at the net after the match.
When the action began, Andreeva seized control early on and never loosened her grip on the clash, overwhelming Kostyuk with her depth and aggression on the main showcourt to complete the victory in style.
Chwalinska then became only the second qualifier to make a Grand Slam final in the professional era after Emma Raducanu’s triumphant U.S. Open run in 2021, when she earned a win over Shnaider playing superb tennis in tough moments.
The day began with the first trophy of the fortnight being handed out, as Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori retained their French Open mixed doubles title with a 4-6 6-3 (10-4) win over Evan King and Gabriela Dabrowski.
The Italian duo dominated the deciding match tiebreak and are the first pair to successfully defend the French Open mixed doubles title since Croatia’s Ivan Dodig and Taiwan’s Latisha Chan in 2019.
