It feels fair to say that few would have predicted this final at the start of the French Open. Mirra Andreeva perhaps seemed overdue a breakthrough run to a Grand Slam showpiece, but Maja Chwalinska has very much been a bolt from the blue. But this will be a first final for both and so a test of nerves for both. We here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for the match, but who will claim the title at Roland Garros?
French Open Final Prediction
Mirra Andreeva vs Maja Chwalinska
Amanda: In a tournament full of twists and turns, it’s only fitting that the winner will be a first-time Grand Slam champion. Andreeva has been playing great tennis up to this point, including a dominant semifinal win over Marta Kostyuk, and for Chwalinska, every round has been a surprise as she’s advanced from qualifying all the way to the final.
Andreeva is the heavy favorite as the eighth seed, but Chwalinska has proven time and time again that she cannot be underestimated against any opponent. Her playstyle has caught her opponents off guard, and it may take Andreeva some time to adjust.
However, Chwalinska hasn’t faced a top-10 player yet and will have to figure out how to overcome the power and precision of Andreeva. Ultimately, Andreeva is playing her best tennis and, more importantly, handling the pressure incredibly well, which gives her all the tools she needs to win this title.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Zain: In one of the most unexpected Major finals in recent memory, Mirra Andreeva takes on qualifier Maja Chwalinska for the French Open title in what, fittingly with the theme of the entire tournament, is yet another match where anything can happen.
Stylistically, this matchup pits the more complete all-court player, with the more elite weapons off the ground, in Mirra Andreeva against the scrambling Chwalinska, whose junkballing has been a sight amidst all the usual power baselining throughout this tournament. So the question is: can Andreeva’s better ball quality, well-rounded game, and overall higher ceiling overcome her nerves and Chwalinska’s defensive game?
The Pole’s forehand, shot variety, and defensive skills should make this closer than the two players’ rankings suggest. Andreeva, under all the pressure, is also in a situation where the still-young Russian has not always performed at her best. But her serve advantage in this match-up and baseline game is too elite for me to back what would be a remarkable upset.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Cizu: Well, it is a French Open a final, no one saw coming. However, here we are. And one way or the other, we’re going to have an interesting story. Chwalinska the qualifier will be hoping to repeat something that has only ever been achieved once in the WTA if she can triumph on Saturday. Andreeva had all the makings of a future Slam champion even in her still young career but no one expected it here and now.
The Russian has also raised the bar remarkably in her last two matches. The Pole, Chwalinska is the sort of player you’d think can disrupt Andreeva and make the match uncomfortable but the determination with which Andreeva has operated in her last few matches is hard to ignore. Nothing has fazed the 19 year old and I’m confident she gets the job done. The only doubt that remains is the exact scoreline. Having said that, Andreeva in straight sets seems the likeliest outcome.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Yesh: This is an incredible matchup. No one saw Chwalinska’s run coming at the French Open, and she is the most shocking Grand Slam finalist in memory. All of the pressure in this match is on Andreeva. She has handled pressure spectacularly in her career, and there’s little to suggest that this occasion will be too much for her. She is playing too solid off both wings. And while Chwalinska has an exceptional ability to absord pace, the Russian has a consistent enough ability to adjust to unexpected angles and situations that I think she’ll end Chwalinska’s fairytale here.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
