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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Flo Clifford

French Open LIVE: Chwalinska becomes first qualifier into grand slam final since Raducanu with stunning win

French Open latest scores and updates

  • Mirra Andreeva wins 6-1 6-3 against Ukraine’s Kostyuk to reach French Open final
  • Andreeva, 19, through to first grand slam final after dominant win in politically charged match
  • Chwalinska beat Shnaider in straight sets, 7-6(4) 6-4 to continue fairytale run
  • A first-time grand slam champion will be crowned

Tomorrow's order of play

20:36 , Flo Clifford

Friday sees the men’s semi-finals, with Jakub Mensik [26] playing Alexander Zverev [2] from 2.30pm local time (1.30pm BST).

Later, not before 7pm local time (6pm BST) Flavio Cobolli [10] takes on unseeded Matteo Arnaldi.

Maja Chwalinska says:

18:57 , Flo Clifford

“I am crazy sometimes, but I try to stay composed as I know it is the best way for me. It helps me to play my best tennis, so that is what I am trying to do. Inside there is a storm with me."

“I have played like eight matches here already or more. So there are no secrets. I watched Mirra Andreeva a bit playing before us, so I watched her game. It was incredible. It is just another great experience for me. I will for sure give my all - it is a Grand Slam final.”

Who is Maja Chwalinska? The Polish qualifier on stunning run to French Open final

18:36 , Flo Clifford

The women’s French Open finals will feature the eighth seed and the world No 114, who came through qualifying on a storming run into the final.

Poland’s Maja Chwalinska has won nine matches in a row, including three in Roland-Garros qualifying, to make her maiden grand slam final - and has made history in the process.

She is the first player to go through qualifying to make the French Open final, and only the second woman to make a grand slam showpiece as a qualifier, after Emma Raducanu at the US Open in 2021.

Who is Maja Chwalinska? Polish qualifier on stunning run to French Open final

Maja Chwalinska reaches French Open final

18:25 , Flo Clifford

This makes Maja Chwalinska the first player to ever go through qualifying to reach the French Open final.

Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska reached the semi-finals in 2020.

And the last qualifier to reach a slam final? Emma Raducanu, at the US Open in 2020. And we all know what happened then...

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

Maja Chwalinska reaches French Open final

18:21 , Flo Clifford

How does it feel to be a Roland-Garros finalist? “Like a dream, honestly,” she says, still in disbelief.

“I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what to say, I’m just very happy.”

How does she feel, mentally, physically? “I mean, not great,” she laughs. “It’s challenging, but it’s a grand slam, so you’ve just got to give your all and more. I’m not complaining at all.”

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Maja Chwalinska 7-6(4), 6-4 Diana Shnaider

18:19 , Flo Clifford

Chwalinska has two match points... and she only needs one! A glorious forehand down the line and the qualifier is into her first grand slam final!

She collapses to the clay, before hugging Shnaider and heading to her chair, where she buries her face in a towel. Happy tears. The fairytale continues!

*Maja Chwalinska 7-6(4), 5-4 Diana Shnaider

18:14 , Flo Clifford

Chwalinska breaks and the qualifier will serve for a place in the final!

*Maja Chwalinska 7-6(4), 3-4 Diana Shnaider

18:05 , Flo Clifford

Shnaider is having a medical timeout for some treatment on her back, while Chwalinska does her best to keep warm. This match is ticking close to the two hour mark.

Maja Chwalinska 7-6(4), 2-2 Diana Shnaider*

17:51 , Flo Clifford

The pair trade breaks and then each hold to start this second set, after a near-six minute break for Shnaider to go off court.

Chwalinska had some attention from a doctor at 2-1, with the issue appearing to be with her leg, which is quite heavily strapped. But she seems to be moving with freedom still.

GAME AND FIRST SET! Maja Chwalinska 7-6 (4) Diana Shnaider

17:25 , Flo Clifford

As has happened so many times, Chwalinska digs herself back into this, first with a sweet drop volley and then with a glorious lob over Shnaider’s head.

Two set points Chwalinska... and she only needs one as Shnaider fires long!

TIE-BREAK! Maja Chwalinska 6-6 Diana Shnaider

17:19 , Flo Clifford

The usually expressionless Chwalinska throws her head back in annoyance as another moonball goes fractionally wide.

Now Shnaider looks to the heavens in frustration as she gets to a deft Chwalinska slice drop shot, but only gets it into the net. Shnaider leads 3-2.

 (AP)
(AP)

Maja Chwalinska 6-6 Diana Shnaider

17:17 , Flo Clifford

As perhaps was to be expected, this long opening set has gone to a tiebreak.

Maja Chwalinska 2-3 Diana Shnaider*

16:42 , Flo Clifford

This is turning into a bit of a slugfest. Shnaider is taken to deuce again, with both players covering every inch of the court and Chwalinska defending excellently, with Shnaider giving back as good as she gets.

After a 20-shot rally Chwalinska thunders a forehand into the postage stamp corner and has the chance to break.

*Maja Chwalinska 1-1 Diana Shnaider

16:23 , Flo Clifford

Chwalinska’s unconventional style is already causing problems, with frequent moonballs and chopping and changing preventing Shnaider from getting any rhythm.

We’re into another long game in what could be a very long evening. But the Russian gets back to deuce with a smart cross-court backhand, and Chwalinska goes long. Both on the board.

Mirra Andreeva: Favourite to win Roland Garros?

16:20 , Jamie Braidwood

One had the feeling before Mirra Andreeva played Marta Kostyuk that the winner of their semi-final would be the favourite against either Russian Diana Shnaider or qualifier Maja Chwalinska on Saturday.

The manner Andreeva defeated Kostyuk, 6-1 6-3, only reinforces that belief. The 19-year-old is the highest-ranked player in the draw, despite being the youngest player remaining.

A note of intrigue is that Shnaider is her doubles partner, with the pair having won Olympics silver in Paris two years ago.

No one on the WTA, not even Aryna Sabalenka, has more wins this year than Andreeva. One more and she’s a grand slam champion.

 (AP)
(AP)

Maja Chwalinska 1-0 Diana Shnaider*

16:15 , Flo Clifford

The rain is hammering down on Philippe-Chatrier so the roof will likely remain closed for the duration. Chwalinska comes through a difficult service game, taken to multiple deuces, as Shnaider fires long.

 (AP)
(AP)

Maja Chwalinska vs Diana Shnaider

16:09 , Flo Clifford

So, onto our second women’s semi-final. One of qualifier Maja Chwalinska or 25th seed Diana Shnaider will shortly be into their first grand slam final.

Chwalinska will serve first. The roof remains closed, which should favour the Russian’s flatter-hitting style over the Pole’s somehwat unconventional, crafty game.

How Mirra Andreeva drowned out the noise to march into French Open final

16:03 , Flo Clifford

In a clash of teenage prodigies past and present it was 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva who took a step further to fulfilling her long-evident potential, as she booked a place in her first grand slam final at the expense of the in-form Marta Kostyuk, winning 6-1 6-3.

23-year-old Kostyuk had been the most dangerous player left in the draw after an unbeaten run on the red dirt this season and titles in Rouen and Madrid. But the Ukrainian wilted under bright sunshine in Paris, leaking 34 unforced errors to her opponent’s 22 and largely failing to trouble Andreeva’s composed, clinical ballstriking.

How Mirra Andreeva drowned out the noise to march into French Open final

Mirra Andreeva: Teenage prodigy arrives into French Open final

15:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Mirra Andreeva first really announced herself to the tennis world when she reached the French Open semi-finals at the age of 17.

Two years later, she is the youngest grand slam finalist since Coco Gauff at the French Open in 2022, and the fifth-youngest Roland Garros finalist in the last 30 years.

If she beats either Diana Shnaider or qualifier Maja Chwalinska on Saturday, Andreeva will the third-youngest grand slam winner this century, behind Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon in 2004 and Emma Raducanu at the US Open in 2021.

Mirra Andreeva: 'I am nervous for the final, but also very exited'

15:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Mirra Andreeva has never played in a grand slam final before. But her coach, Conchita Martinez, is a former Wimbledon champion.

“I don't think I am going to ask any questions!” Andreeva says. “It was working pretty well what we did before. We have to keep it the same and not change anything.” Martinez nods.

"We are going to prepare our best for the final. The final is going to be very entertaining and very tough. I am nervous, but at the same time I am very, very excited."

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

Mirra Andreeva: 'I've never felt anything like this before'

15:39 , Jamie Braidwood

“I’m still very nervous. I was nervous coming into this match. She’d had an amazing season, had not lost a match on clay this season. That brought pressure and she’s an amazing player, tough opponent.

“I’m happy with how I played today. Then I’m happy with how I got revenge for the Madrid final. I’m happy I’m in my first grand slam final as well. All of these feelings combined, it’s amazing. I’ve never felt anything like this before and I’m very excited for my last match in Paris.”

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

Marta Kostyuk's run at French Open ends in semi-finals

15:32 , Jamie Braidwood

There’s a smile on Marta Kostyuk’s face as she waves goodbye to Court Philippe-Chatrier. Her first defeat of the clay-court season, after 16 wins in a row, comes in the semi-finals and with the final just one match away.

She was outplayed by Mirra Andreeva, but what an excellent run it’s been, with wins over Iga Swiatek and her idol Elina Svitolina. Exhausting, too, for the Ukrainian, as she fights for her war-torn country. It’s been a demanding two weeks on and off the court.

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Mirra Andreeva 6-3 6-1 Marta Kostyuk

15:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Hats off to Mirra Andreeva. That was an assured, professional performance. You have to remind yourself she’s only 19. A first grand slam final awaits on Sunday, two years after her big breakthrough as a 17-year-old in Madrid.

She raises her hands, pumps her fist and roars on match point. There’s no handshake between the players, but we expected that due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

Marta Kostyuk 1-6 3-6 Mirra Andreeva

15:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Another grimace from Kostyuk after the opening point. She had the chance to go for down the line winner, but misses. Andreeva moves two points from the final.

Steely from Andreeva. She finds the outside of the line with a forehand crosscourt, bringing up match point!

Andreeva catches the baseline and Kostyuk goes long! Andreeva is into her first grand slam final!

GAME, SET AND MATCH!

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

BREAK! Marta Kostyuk 1-6 3-5 Mirra Andreeva*

15:22 , Jamie Braidwood

With the roof closed, the look of the match, as well as the feel, is very different: the spotlights are now shining down on the players.

But Kostyuk has to keep this run going. Andreeva senses a chance, immediately, as she drags Kostyuk into a couple of long points.

And Kostyuk blinks first, sending the forehand out and grimacing.

Andreeva takes full advantage. She steps in, drawing the short forehand, and slamming the overhead.

5-3 and she’ll serve for the final.

*Marta Kostyuk 1-6 3-4 Mirra Andreeva

15:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Has the roof closing renewed Kostyuk’s belief? She wins the point of the match, a 26-shot rally that switched from power to slice and forced Kostyuk to dig into her toolkit and find a spinning drop shot out wide.

And suddenly it’s 0-40! A double fault from Andreeva, quite of of nowhere. And Kostyuk clenches her fist as Andreeva shoots long! The crowd responds!

Game on folks!

Marta Kostyuk 1-6 2-4 Mirra Andreeva*

15:15 , Jamie Braidwood

There’s the clench of the fist from Kostyuk! She holds serve, so Andreeva requires another two games to get over the line. The roof is now fully closed. Goodbye wind.

*Marta Kostyuk 1-6 1-4 Mirra Andreeva

15:13 , Jamie Braidwood

The roof over Chatrier is closing mid-game, due to the imminent arrival of rain over western Paris.

Kostyuk faces another hole as a wild forehand shoots long. She gestures, but brings in the frustration with the forehand winner.

30-30... but Kostyuk nets! Andreeva has been so clean and consistent and steady, and the pressure on Kostyuk from the start has been notable.

But she digs in to save break point.

*Marta Kostyuk 1-6 1-4 Mirra Andreeva

15:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Alright... some signs that Kostyuk is battling back, or at least force Andreeva into some difficulty as the teeanger attempts to close this out. Kostyuk gets to 15-30, then had a look at the forehand down the line, but pushes long.

Andreeva stays cool to put away the overhead, and find more depth and precision. Andreeva roars! The crowd want to see more, so are barely responding to her points. But she is keeping her eyes on the finish line.

 (AP)
(AP)

Marta Kostyuk 1-6 1-3 Mirra Andreeva*

15:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Well, we’ve seen some remarkable turnarounds in matches this week, with Aryna Sabalenka’s loss from a set and two breaks up in yesterday’s quarter-finals the latest example of a dizzying tournament.

But Kostyuk may need the biggest miracle yet. She makes a start, getting through another nervy game that went to deuce. Struggling to get over the line, Kostyuk finally manages to close it out and gets on the board with a tidy drop shot.

The crowd roars in encouragement.

 (AP)
(AP)

*Marta Kostyuk 1-6 0-3 Mirra Andreeva

14:56 , Jamie Braidwood

There are just 48 minutes on the clock. This is turning into one of the most one-sided matches of the week...

That said, Andreeve needed just 56 minutes to beat in-form Sorana Cirstea in the quarter-finals.

BREAK! Marta Kostyuk 1-6 0-2 Mirra Andreeva*

14:54 , Jamie Braidwood

Kostyuk bounces the racket off the baseline after Andreeva drills a return and Kostyuk finds the net. That was barely halfway up.

The crowd is trying to get behind Kostyuk, who is in a really tough spot here. Andreeva had a chance to set up break point, but nets.

With the suddenly, wind kicking, Andreeva chucks up the moon ball, and Kostyuk goes long: a break point.

STUNNING from Andreeva! Backhand down the line, wonderful shot. Dialled in, catching the point. Horrible for Kostyuk.

 (AP)
(AP)

*Marta Kostyuk 1-6 0-1 Mirra Andreeva

14:50 , Jamie Braidwood

The first roar from Andreeva as she gets the serve and forehand into play. She wriggles out of that testing game to start the second set, closing the door on Kostyuk when the Ukrainian thought she had an opening. A good response from break point down.

Marta Kostyuk 1-6 0-0 Mirra Andreeva*

14:48 , Jamie Braidwood

A first little misstep from Andreeva with a chunky drop shot that Kostyuk easily put away. Andreeva finds the first serve, as she has done on pressure points throughout this match, but Kostyuk battles to deuce! That was the biggest hitting of the match so far, with a gruelling backhand exchange, before Kostyuk pulls the trigger down the line.

An error from Andreeva, and Kosyuk gets a look at break point. Suddenly Andreeva can’t produce the big serve, Kostyuk creeps inside the baseline but blasts the forehand into the net on the return!

SET! Marta Kostyuk 1-6 Mirra Andreeva*

14:43 , Jamie Braidwood

Her comes the second set point as Kostyuk hits out on the backhand crosscourt. It’s all looking a little wild from Kostyuk, with Andreeva collected and calm.

Kostyuk nets on the backhand and Andreeva, her face barely flickering, clinches a dominant opening set 6-1 with three breaks of serve.

 (AP)
(AP)

*Marta Kostyuk 1-5 Mirra Andreeva

14:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Andreeva is two points from the set at 30-30. Kostyuk barely clears the net with the slice, then Andreeva goes again, pushing Kostyuk deep until she commits the error. Set point, but Andreeva strikes the net with the backhand down the line.

But it’s one-way traffic.

*Marta Kostyuk 1-5 Mirra Andreeva

14:38 , Jamie Braidwood

After that long Kostyuk service game, Andreeva holds to love, thumping an ace down on the way. The teenager is looking so assured here.

This, after all, is her second French Open semi-final and she has come a long way since her first against Jasmine Paolini in 2024. Even since last year’s tough defeat to Lois Boisson at Roland Garros.

 (AP)
(AP)

Marta Kostyuk 1-4 Mirra Andreeva*

14:35 , Jamie Braidwood

After saving five break points in a lengthy service game, Kostyuk is able to get on the board after 25 minutes of this semi-final. Kostyuk holds off Andreeva from the baseline and the teenager sends a backhand long.

 (AP)
(AP)

*Marta Kostyuk 0-4 Mirra Andreeva

14:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Andreeva raises a hand of apology as she strikes the net tape with a backhand down the line. Kostyuk has to adjust to reach the short ball but Andreeva fires the backhand pass.

Another break point: Andreeva nets again on the return. But Kostyuk, looking for the forehand down the line, pushes long and faces a fourth of this game.

Kostyuk saves another, taking the forehand early.

*Marta Kostyuk 0-4 Mirra Andreeva

14:29 , Jamie Braidwood

That’s Mirra Andreeva at her counter-attacking best. Marta Kostyuk looks stunned at the power that’s coming back from Andreeva, even when pushed into the corners. A backhand down the line brings another two break points.

Kostyuk saves the first, striking early. Then Andreeva nets on the return. The crowd is behind the Ukrainian.

*Marta Kostyuk 0-4 Mirra Andreeva

14:26 , Jamie Braidwood

Marta Kostyuk looks for some encouragement as she gets to deuce by pushing Mirra Andreeva into defence and pushing a well-timed drop shot over the net. Andreeva’s serve is popping early and Kostyuk isn’t managing to get a read on the first serve, which is getting the teenager out of trouble. A blistering forehand strike from Andreeva gets the hold.

 (AP)
(AP)

BREAK! Marta Kostyuk 0-3 Mirra Andreeva*

14:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Kostyuk’s shoulders slump further after Andreeva’s backhand lob drops over her head and then Russian finds the backhand down the line to get to two break points. Andreeva takes charge on the return, finding the edge of the line to send Kostyuk chasing. It’s great defence, but the attack is even better from Andreeva: she controls the overhead and moves a double-break up in this semi-finals.

*Marta Kostyuk 0-2 Mirra Andreeva

14:15 , Flo Clifford

It’s a nervy first service game for Andreeva too; Kostyuk earns a break point but squanders it with a tame forehand into the net, before blasting well wide at deuce. A big first serve backs up the break.

*denotes next to serve

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

French Open: Kostyuk 0-1 Andreeva*

14:15 , Flo Clifford

After the high winds of yesterday, the sun is out in Paris - much livelier conditions for players who are able to stretch the court to its limits through their athleticism.

But it’s Andreeva who gets off to the better start, against the Kostyuk serve. And it’s a nervy start for Kostyuk, who double faults twice in the opening game and shanks the ball into the net to hand over an early break.

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

Mirra Andreeva's route to French Open semi-finals

14:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Mirra Andreeva has dropped just one set this tournament, and is yet to play in a match that has been pushed beyond the two-hour mark.

First round: vs Fiona Ferro (W) 6-3 6-3 (1hr 11)

Second round: vs Marina Bassols Ribera 3-6 6-1 6-1 (1hr 51)

Third round: vs Marie Bouzkova 6-4 6-2 (1hr 35)

Fourth round: vs Jill Tecihman 6-3 6-2 (1hr 25)

Quarter-finals: vs Sorana Cirstea (18) 6-0 6-3 (0hr 56)

 (Getty)
(Getty)

Marta Kostyuk's route to French Open semi-finals

13:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Marta Kostyuk has won her last four matches in a row against top-10 opponents, adding victories against Iga Swiatek and Elina Svitolina during her run in Paris.

First round: vs Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2 6-3 (1hr 18)

Second round: vs Katie Volynets 6-7 6-3 6-3 (2hr 43)

Third round: vs Viktorija Golubic 6-4 6-3 (1hr 39)

Fourth round: vs Iga Swiatek (3) 7-5 6-1 (1hr 39)

Quarter-finals: vs Elina Svitolina (7) 6-3 2-6 6-2 (1hr 49)

 (AP)
(AP)

Who is Maja Chwalinska? The Polish qualifier on stunning run to French Open semi-finals

13:40 , Flo Clifford

The women’s French Open semi-finals will feature the eighth, 15th, and 25th seeds - as well as the world No 114, who came through qualifying on a storming run into the final four.

Poland’s Maja Chwalinska has won eight matches in a row, including three in Roland-Garros qualifying, to make her maiden grand slam semi-final - and has made history as only the second woman to achieve that feat in Paris, after Nadia Podoroska in 2020.

She has already doubled her career prize money having pocketed €750,000 euros (around £650,000) for making the semi-finals, where she will play 25th seed Diana Shnaider.

Who is Maja Chwalinska? Polish qualifier on stunning run to French Open semi-finals

Diani Shnaider through to first grand slam semi-final after beating Aryna Sabalenka

13:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Diani Shnaider is through to her first grand slam semi-final, having only previously made it to one grand slam fourth round in her career. The 22-year-old secured the biggest win of her career by beating No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals.

“Tough conditions with the wind, first time playing Aryna, super nervous,” she said.

“Quarter-finals for the first time, definitely a lot of nerves. I feel like first there was trying to adjust to her game and then to the conditions, to the wind. I was like, it's OK. It’s tough conditions, she's the world No. 1. I will just try to do my best to the end, and we’ll see how it goes.”

Shnaider won 12 of the final 13 games in an extraordinary turnaround.

 (AP)
(AP)

What on earth happened to Aryna Sabalenka?

13:10 , Flo Clifford

What the blistering heat and sun did for Jannik Sinner, so the wind and her own mind did for Aryna Sabalenka. The only remaining grand slam champion left in either the men’s or women’s draw, the top seed and world No 1 did not drop a set in her first four matches at Roland-Garros and only once spent more than an hour and a half on court.

But then came a meeting with 25th seed and first-time grand slam quarter-finalist Diana Shnaider, and a match amid the swirling, lively winds under the open roof of Court Philippe-Chatrier.

And by the end of it came a familiar sight as Sabalenka, already a four-time major champion but who has held herself back from winning more, waved sadly to the crowd and made a premature exit.

The ‘biggest mistake’ behind Aryna Sabalenka’s extraordinary quarter-final collapse

Marta Kostyuk demands Russian players speak up on war

12:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Before playing Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals, Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk was highly critical of Russian players who state their focus is on tennis and remain silent about political discussions and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

“I know some people who have left Russia the moment the war began, who sold all their business, who left everything behind because they just don’t agree with what their country is doing to other people,” Kostyuk said.

"They are all grown-ups. They know what they’re talking about. They know what’s going on. They have phones. They have Instagram. They have news. I wish there was some more clear stance on what’s going on, especially when your country is killing other people."

Can Mirra Andreeva take next step at French Open?

12:40 , Jamie Braidwood

At 19, Mirra Andreeva is making her second appearance in a French Open semi-final, having lost to Jasmine Paolini in 2024. The Russian teenager is bidding to became the youngest grand slam finalist since Coco Gauff in 2022. Andreeva has won the most matches on tour this year, with 34. If Andreeva wins the French Open, she would be the third-youngest grand slam winner this century, behind a 17-year-old Maria Sharapova in 2004 and an 18-year-old Emma Raducanu in 2021.

Kostyuk will face Russia's Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals (AP)
Kostyuk will face Russia's Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals (AP)

Can Marta Kostyuk carry winning streak into French Open final?

12:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Marta Kostyuk remains the only player who has not lost a match on clay this season. The Ukrainian is through to her first grand slam semi-final after winning 16 matches in a row on clay, including winning the title in Rouen and the biggest of her career in Madrid.

Kostyuk beat Mirra Andreeva in the Madrid final, and also won against her in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International at the start of the season. She is the first Ukrainian woman to reach the semi-finals of Roland Garros.

Marta Kostyuk blasts Russian players for Ukraine war silence ahead of French Open clash with Mirra Andreeva

12:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk has launched a scathing attack on Russian players, accusing them of hiding behind silence regarding the war in Ukraine and asserting that their inaction has revealed "whose side they are on" after four years of conflict.

The 23-year-old secured her place in the final four by defeating fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-3 2-6 6-2 in an emotionally charged quarter-final, played just hours after another night of Russian strikes targeted Kyiv.

Marta Kostyuk blasts Russian players for Ukraine war silence

The Russia-Ukraine war looms over the French Open

12:05 , Flo Clifford

The latter stages of the women’s tournament have seen superb runs from a number of Russian and Ukrainian players, throwing the spotlight further on one of tennis’ most critical flashpoints – and the sport’s inability to reckon with it

The Russia-Ukraine war looms over the French Open – and tennis has no answers

Good afternoon and welcome

12:00 , Jamie Braidwood

What else will this extraordinary French Open deliver? For the first time since 1977, both men’s and women’s draw feature no former grand slam champions in the semi-final line-ups. A first-time winner will be crowned in Paris on Saturday and Sunday.

Today, we will find out which two players will compete in Saturday’s women’s final. First, there will be a repeat of the Madrid final as eighth seed Mirra Andreeva faces the 15th seed Marta Kostyuk. Two in-form players.

Then, it’s the battle of the left-handers as the 25th seed Diana Shanaider plays the qualifier Maja Chwalinska. No one had either player in their semi-final line-up, but who can take the next step on a huge day of opportunity?

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