Maja Chwalinska says it is a "dream" to reach her maiden grand slam final, though she is determined to enjoy her French Open semi-final win before focusing on that match.

Chwalinska stunned Diana Shnaider in straight sets to book her place in the showpiece and set up a meeting with Mirra Andreeva on Saturday.

The qualifier, who is the third player in the Open Era to reach their maiden WTA-level final in a major after Venus Williams (1997 US Open) and Emma Raducanu (2021 US Open), earned a 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victory over Shnaider in two hours and seven minutes.

Chwalinska is the second qualifier in the Open Era to reach the singles final in a major after Raducanu at the US Open in 2021, males included – the Brit went on to triumph that year.

The Pole is making just her third main-draw appearance at a grand slam, and her first at the French Open. She is the third player to reach the women's singles final at the event in their maiden main-draw appearance, after Evonne Goolagong (1971) and Chris Evert (1973).

Chwalinska dropped to the floor in relief after getting over the line, having put in a composed performance throughout the tense meeting, and she was thrilled to continue her stunning run at Roland-Garros.

"I mean, like a dream," she said on-court when asked how it felt. "Honestly, I don't know what is going on. I don't know what to say. I'm sorry.

"[I do] not [feel] great – I won't lie. It is so challenging to play against the best players in the world day by day. It is a grand slam, so you have to give your all and more. I am not complaining at all!

"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.

"Let me enjoy this moment for now. I just want to breathe a little and enjoy it and then just recover as much as I can and be able to give my all."

Including males, Andreeva (born in 2007) is the first player born since 2005 to reach a major final, and is also chasing a maiden grand slam title.

She raced to a 6-1 6-3 victory over Marta Kostyuk in the first semi-final on Thursday, and Chwalinska is relishing their meeting.

"I have played like eight matches here already, or more. So, there are no secrets," Chwalinska said of the final.

"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."