Roland-Garros 2026 has delivered its women's semifinal lineup, and it is historic. None of the four semifinalists have ever won a Grand Slam title. Marta Kostyuk will face Mirra Andreeva, while Diana Shnaider takes on Maja Chwalinska. On Thursday at the Porte d'Auteuil, a first-time Grand Slam finalist is guaranteed to emerge.
In the first semifinal, Kostyuk carries the form of the clay-court season's standout player. The 22-year-old Ukrainian, Madrid champion this year, has strung together sixteen consecutive wins on clay. She became the first Ukrainian woman to reach the Roland-Garros last four by defeating compatriot Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in an emotionally charged quarterfinal.
Standing in her way, Andreeva embodies the fearlessness of youth. At 19, the eighth seed dismantled Sorana Cîrstea 6-0, 6-3 in just 56 minutes in the quarterfinals. Her explosive power and ability to suffocate opponents from the baseline make her a formidable threat to anyone on clay.
The second semifinal pits two players whose presence at this stage seemed unthinkable two weeks ago. Shnaider, the 25th seed, produced the upset of the tournament by eliminating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka after being two points from defeat. Her comeback from 3-6, 4-5 down, capped by a 6-0 third set, will rank among this edition's defining moments.
Across the net, Chwalinska continues her fairy tale. The 24-year-old Polish qualifier has matched the Open Era record for a qualifier at Roland-Garros. Her 7-6(3), 6-3 victory over Anna Kalinskaya confirms that her run is built on substance, not luck.
Two matches, four players without a major title, zero clear favourites. Roland-Garros 2026 promises an unforgettable Thursday.