How shock French Open finalist's tiny tattoo gives meaning to big run

How shock French Open finalist's tiny tattoo gives meaning to big runImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Maja Chwalinska is making her first appearance in the French Open main draw, having lost in qualifying in 2021, 2023 and 2025ByJonathan JurejkoBBC Sport tennis news reporter at Roland GarrosPublished11 minutes agoAfter coming through her darkest hours, surprise French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska visited a tattoo parlour.A tiny word - 'free' - was etched onto the 24-year-old qualifier's left hand.Poland's Chwalinska, who is one win from joining Britain's Emma Raducanu as the only qualifier to lift a Grand Slam title, would not be drawn on why she chose it."I will keep it to myself. You can make your own stories," Chwalinska said.After a Roland Garros run that was unthinkable a few weeks ago, it feels like there is big meaning in such a small word.Five years ago, Chwalinska took an indefinite break from tennis after losing in the first round of qualifying at Wimbledon.Chwalinska was suffering from a depression that left her feeling lifeless and unable to get out of bed. She had no idea when - or even if - she would return to the sport.The Pole went back to her family home and sought help from mental health specialists.When she was well enough, Chwalinska took up running and boxing as part of the recovery process and, after a four-month break, decided to go back to tennis. Now, she stands one win away from one of the sport's biggest prizes after a stunning semi-final victory over Diana Shnaider in Paris on Thursday.Qualifier Chwalinska sets up final against AndreevaPublished30 minutes agoThe past five years has seen Chwalinska work hard on the lower levels of the WTA Tour, diligently trying to improve her game.Working on being able to mentally compartmentalise her career - which she associated with "pressure, stress and crying" - from the rest of her life has proved crucial.A year ago, Chwalinska was play...