Roland-Garros 2026: Maja Chwalinska’s Historic Run After Loïs Boisson’s 2025 Surprise

Paris, France — A year after Loïs Boisson’s improbable run to the Roland-Garros quarterfinals in 2025, Polish player Maja Chwalinska is poised to etch her name into the tournament’s history. The 23-year-old, ranked 114th in the world, advanced to the 2026 French Open semifinals after a thrilling three-set victory over Russian qualifier Diana Shnaider on June 4. This marks the second time in tournament history a player has reached the last four via the qualifying rounds, following Boisson’s 2025 feat.

The Unlikely Ascent of Maja Chwalinska

Chwalinska’s journey to the Roland-Garros semifinals began in the qualifying draw, where she defeated 12 seeded players over three rounds. Her path included a stunning three-set win over 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final qualifying match. “I never thought I’d be here,” Chwalinska said post-match. “This is a dream come true.”

The Polish player’s rise is particularly notable given her low world ranking. While the WTA rankings are fluid, Chwalinska’s current position (as of June 2026) places her 114th, a testament to her consistency on clay courts. Her 2026 campaign has been marked by aggressive baseline play and a knack for turning matches in the final set, traits that have drawn comparisons to 2025’s Boisson.

Historical Context: From Qualifiers to Semifinals

Chwalinska’s achievement places her in rare company. Only two players in Roland-Garros history have reached the semifinals via the qualifying rounds: Loïs Boisson in 2025 and now Chwalinska. Boisson’s run, which included a quarterfinal win over 12th seed Elise Mertens, was dubbed “the most unexpected story of the tournament” by WTA analysts. Chwalinska’s path, however, may be even more improbable. She entered the main draw