Maja Chwalinska apologises after losing French Open final to ‘annoying’ Mirra Andreeva | Tennis | Sport

Maja Chwalinska apologised to the crowd immediately after losing the French Open final to Mirra Andreeva. The qualifier lost 6-3, 6-2 to 19-year-old Russian Andreeva but caused a huge shock by even reaching the final at Roland Garros. Chwalinska was ranked 114th in the world before this tournament but will now rise to No.21 after a phenomenal three weeks. The Pole is only the second qualifier ever, male or female, to reach the final of a Grand Slam after Emma Raducanu.

Speaking during the post-match trophy ceremony, Chwalinska said: “Hello everyone, first of all congrats to Mirra. You’re such an incredible player. You’re so young and talented. It’s so annoying! Congrats to you and congrats to your team for an amazing job. I wish you all the best in the future. Thank you to everyone who made this tournament possible and so special. Thank you for taking care of us. I told [tournament director] Amelie [Mauresmo] a few days ago, ‘I watched the old clips when you guys were playing here.’ It’s kind of a pinch-me moment for me [to be here]. Grateful you’re here.

“Thank you to all the volunteers, ballkids, referees, line umpires – sorry if I forget someone, you’ve got to forgive me, there’s a lot going on in my head! Thank you of course to my team and my family. Thank you for being with me.

“I know I’m not really easy to be around sometimes. Thank you so much for sticking with me and for working with me every day. I’ll try to do my best and continue.

“I would like to thank all of you guys who came today, not only today but these three weeks. Thank you for supporting me. I really felt your love and I’m very, very grateful.

“I wish you could see a better match today but Mirra was just too good for me so I guess it’s her fault! I tried my best, I’m sorry. Thank you so much, I definitely won’t forget these three weeks. Paris will stay forever in my heart. Merci.”

Victorious teenager Andreeva said in her own speech: “First of all, congrats to Maja for these amazing three weeks, passing through qualies, winning so many matches, beating so many great players. Congrats to your team as well. You guys have done an amazing job, amazing work.

“You’re a very tricky opponent, I wouldn’t want to play against you one more time! I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season and OK it’s fine… I hope we can play many, many more finals together in the future!”

The eighth seed signed off her speech in trademark style by thanking herself by wearing a specially-made Nike jacket emblazoned with the slogan ‘I want to thank myself – Mirra.’ She added: “Sorry that it’s long but I have to say something. Last but not least, I want to thank myself.

“For believing in myself, always giving 100 per cent even when it’s tough and trying every day to be better as a person and as a player. For believing that I can do this, fighting so many demons inside of me. Only I know how tough it was for me and how nervous I was throughout these two weeks. Thanks to myself for working so hard and giving my best!”