TEARFUL Maja Chwalinska says Emma Raducanu has inspired her epic run to the French Open final in Paris.
Roland Garros will turn into Poland Garros on Saturday if the Pole, 24, becomes the second qualifier in the Open Era to win a tennis major.
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Maja Chwalinska has caught the attention at Roland Garros Credit: Getty
She has been spotted in multiple outfits at the tournamentn Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Chwalinska’s first qualifying match began on May 18 and yesterday she beat injury-hit Diana Shnaider 7-6 6-4 in the semi–finals – her ninth match of the tournament – under a closed Court Philippe-Chatrier roof.
Chwalinska, who has dropped only one set, now faces Russian teen Mirra Andreeva, who knocked out Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk 6-1 6-3.
When an 18-year-old Raducanu won the 2021 US Open, she did so having come through three qualifiers, and the Eastern European will try to match that feat.
Chwalinska, who cried in her towel when she progressed, said: “It was such an impressive run from Raducanu. It was just incredible.
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“The level is very close, the qualifying is not much worse than the main draw.
“And the players in the qualifying, they are so good, as well. They are great competitors.
“We just need to kind of believe and, you know, fight and just believe that maybe some day it will click for us, as well.
“That’s what I would take from this experience.”
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Chwalinska does not have a sponsor Credit: AFP
Chwalinska has been wearing different outfits during the tournament which caught the attention of one journalist.
She was asked about her changing of clothing throughout the tournament but she had a brilliant response.
She said: “I mean, there is no story, really. I’m not sponsored, so I guess that’s the story.
“I mean, for now, I’m playing, so I’m very grateful for the Oshee company to help me to cover my hotel expenses these three weeks now.
Chwalinska has battled her way to the final Credit: Getty
She has been likened to Emma Raducanu Credit: Getty
“But other than that, no, I’m just focusing on tennis, and the rest I guess will come after the tournament.”
Whatever she is doing is working as she is “doing a Raducanu” by reaching the Grand Slam final as a qualifier.
Fans loved the response and her as they hailed Chwalinska on social media.
One posted: “Cinderella of world tennis..”
A second wrote: “She will be now. Great marketing. lol.”
A third commented: “Love her so much. So down-to-earth and genuine. Witty and gritty.”
A fourth said: “Girl about to cash in. This is the feel good story of the year.”
Another added: “I hope she’ll get lots of sponsorships after this.”
