French open finalist Maja Chwalinska drew inspiration from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic - 'It feels like poetry'

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Maja Chwalinska hailed Roger Federer as her main inspiration as a tennis player after she defeated Diana Shnaider to reach the French Open final.

French Open finalist Chwalinska 'praying' idol Djokovic continues playing career

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Poland’s Chwalinska produced one of the standout performances of the tournament at Roland-Garros on Thursday, upsetting the highly favoured Shnaider to seal a historic victory on the Parisian clay.

The world No. 114 produced a remarkably disciplined tactical performance, disrupting Shnaider’s baseline power with clever variety and slice to secure her passage into the final.

Following the biggest clay-court victory of her career, Chwalinska was in a reflective mood during her post-match press conference.

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When asked about her tennis upbringing, stylistic influences, and what inspired her unique brand of court craft, the Pole admitted her early sporting education was entirely shaped by the legendary 'Big Three' of men's tennis.

"So, I was Roger's No. 1 fan," Chwalinska said, smiling as she discussed her childhood idol.

The 24-year-old added that Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Federer’s closest rivals, were also a source of inspiration.

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"Like, when I started playing tennis, it was all about Roger," Chwalinska said. "And then Rafa and then Novak."

The retirement of Federer in 2022 and Nadal's subsequent competitive wind-down have left Djokovic as the sole active member of that golden generation.

For Chwalinska, who utilises a variety-heavy game that contrasts sharply with the hyper-aggressive power baseline style typical of the modern WTA tour, watching the Serbian 24-time Grand Slam champion compete remains a priority.

"So now I'm, like, you know, like, just praying that Novak keeps on playing, so I can watch him play," Chwalinska explained.

"Yeah, so I'm just actually very grateful that I was growing up during this era, you know. And sometimes I come back to these old matches and I watch them play, and it feels like poetry, really."

While the classic rivalries of the past decade remain her primary source of aesthetic inspiration, Chwalinska acknowledged that her viewing habits have naturally evolved as she has established herself on the professional circuit.

While she keeps a close eye on her peers and the emerging superstars of the men's game, her fundamental appreciation for tennis was forged in the era of Federer's peak dominance.

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"Yeah, nowadays, it's more about watching my friends, I would say," she added.

"Sometimes, if there is a good match, I can watch, like, I love watching, of course, Carlos [Alcaraz] or Jannik [Sinner]. Yeah. But before, it was definitely about the 'Big Three.'"

Andreeva promises 'entertainment'

Chwalinska will face Mirra Andreeva in Saturday's final, shown live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

"It’s going to be very entertaining, very interesting, as well, because obviously I have never played against her," Andreeva said in her press conference.

"It's going to be a new match for both of us."

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