The French Open is guaranteed to crown a first-time Grand Slam champion this year after the men's and women's semifinals produced four players who have never won a major tournament.
In the men's draw, Flavio Cobolli reached the semifinals after a remarkable comeback victory. The Italian 10th seed defeated fourth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals, recovering from a set and a break down. This was Cobolli's first win against a top 10 opponent at a Grand Slam. His triumph set up an all-Italian men's semifinal for the first time in history, as Matteo Arnaldi also advanced when fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini retired injured.
Cobolli's path through the tournament has been efficient and authoritative. Through five matches, he has conceded just two sets while playing decisive tennis when it matters most. His game combines a destructive forehand with well-rounded skills that have allowed him to neutralize opponents' weapons. Against Auger-Aliassime, Cobolli pinned the Canadian in his backhand corner and narrowed the court with superior defensive abilities after breaking serve at 3-1 in the first set.
The loss represents a significant missed opportunity for Auger-Aliassime, who at 25 has been among the tour's longest-serving players without a major title. The Canadian was the highest-ranked player remaining in his half after Jannik Sinner's early exit, giving him a genuine chance to compete for the championship.
On the women's side, qualifier Maja Chwalinska reached the final with a stunning 7-6, 6-4 victory over 25th seed Diana Shnaider. Chwalinska became the first qualifier ever to reach a Roland Garros final. Her emotional response after the win, sobbing into her towel, reflected the magnitude of her achievement after coming through an extraordinarily difficult period in her life.
The pressure of competing for a first major title will test all four semifinalists in different ways. Cobolli and Arnaldi must navigate their historic matchup while maintaining the form that brought them this far. Chwalinska carries the weight of her journey and the expectations that come with being the first qualifier to reach this final. Her opponent in the women's final will also be pursuing their first Grand Slam title.
The absence of established champions in both semifinals means that Sunday's finals will feature players competing for major titles for the first time in their careers. How each handles the pressure and intensity of that moment could determine who leaves Roland Garros with their name etched into Grand Slam history.