Mirra Andreeva may be the new champion in Paris, but Maja Chwalinska remains the standout story from the past two weeks.
After all, she came through Roland Garros qualifying to reach the final. Such a feat does not happen often.
As such, many found themselves naturally rooting for the ultimate underdog, who saw her fairytale run ended by the relentless quality of her opponent.
However, that loss in the final is far from the end of her story. In fact, it should hopefully be only the beginning.
Maja Chwalinska must be given a Wimbledon wildcard
With this impressive performance in Paris, Maja Chwalinska has not only earned herself a huge prize money boost, but also a massive push up the world rankings.
Having started the tournament at 114 in the world, she now sits just outside the world’s top 20.
Maja Chwalinska must surely now be given a Wimbledon wildcard! 🍓
Frustratingly though, because of the way that the rankings work, Chwalinska might have to gain entry to Wimbledon through qualifying, with the upcoming Grand Slam inexplicably using the rankings from before Roland Garros to sort their draw.
This has led many to assume that Wimbledon will therefore afford the Polish star with a wildcard. Worryingly, it might not be that simple.
Wimbledon’s tough decision involving Serena and Venus Williams
Nowadays, wildcards for the four Grand Slams are rarely offered on merit. In all honesty, it feels like an outdated system that massively favours the four nations who host these events.
Alas, that is the way it is, and it therefore allows British, French, American and Australian players to gain easy entry into the main draw of the most prestigious tournaments in the world when they otherwise might not have through their ranking or qualifying.
Chwalinska is Polish, which holds little weight amongst those aforementioned four countries, and will have to unsettle some huge names if she is to be given a wildcard.
After all, there are only eight spots, most of which will be given to British players.
How excited are you to watch Serena Williams play on the WTA Tour once again? 🐐
Then, given Serena Williams has now announced her comeback, there’s every chance that she might opt to play singles at Wimbledon, and will therefore also need a wildcard as well.
Venus Williams is another who continues to be present on the WTA Tour, and another who would therefore need a wildcard.
Therefore, Wimbledon might actually have to sacrifice one of these all-time legends to do the right thing for Chwalinska.
