French Open: Diana Shnaider scripts epic comeback to stun No.1 seed Sabalenka; storms into maiden semis
Paris, June 3
Russian youngster Diana Shnaider came from a set and a double break down to win the last 10 games in a row and stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a quarterfinal match in the women's singles section of the French Open on Wednesday, securing a historic maiden entry into the Grand Slam semifinals at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris.
The No 25 seed Shnaider produced a sensational fightback to upset Sabalenka 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 in 2 hours and 12 minutes, snapping the No. 1 seed's streak of six consecutive major semifinals.
Shnaider, 22, looked down and out as Sabalenka set herself up for a routine victory with a commanding lead. But the Russian youngster moved, it isn't over till it is over as she scripted a brilliant comeback. Sabalenka was two points away from victory when she served for the match at 5-4 in the second set before the left-handed Shnaider started to turn things around.
Competing in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, Schaider was facing a reigning World No. 1 for the first time. As gusts of wind swirled around Court Philippe-Chatrier, she mastered the conditions and met the moment superbly to make the major semifinal debut.
From 6-3, 4-1 down, Shnaider produced winner after winner with her left-handed forehand to claim 12 of the next 13 games, and the last 10 in a row from 5-3. By contrast, Sabalenka's control over her game abandoned her as she racked up 57 unforced errors -- 17 of which came in the decider alone, the first time she had dropped a 6-0 set since the third set of her 2024 Dubai second round against Donna Vekic
Shnaider, a five-time titlist on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz, claimed her second Top 10 win in 16 encounters, and first since defeating Coco Gauff in the 2024 Toronto third round.
Shnaider won four games in a row to snatch the second set, and then won a crucial 17-point second game of the third set, which helped her pull clear. She finished the match by winning 10 games in a row from 3-5 in the second set.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Absolutely stunning effort from Shnaider! At 22, making her Grand Slam quarterfinal debut and taking down the World No. 1 with such composure in windy conditions is incredible. Sabalenka's streak of six consecutive major semis ending like this shows how unpredictable tennis can be. Chalo, rooting for an Indian player to do something similar one day! 🇮🇳
Shnaider's left-handed forehand must have been a nightmare for Sabalenka in those gusty winds. Winning 12 of 13 games after being 6-3, 4-1 down is pure determination. I hope she goes all the way now—maiden Grand Slam semifinals deserve a fairytale ending. But kudos to Sabalenka too; she's been a powerhouse all year.
What a match! Diana Shnaider literally snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. That 17-point game in the third set must have broken Sabalenka's spirit. Tennis is so mental—once you lose that edge, the errors pile up. Wonderful to see such a young player handle pressure so well. Reminds me of Sania Mirza's fighting spirit! 🙌
Shnaider's comeback was epic, no doubt. But Sabalenka's 57 unforced errors show she had an off day more than anything. Still, credit to the Russian for taking full advantage. It's a pity we don't have many Indians in such big moments—maybe one day! Tennis in India needs more infrastructure and support. 🤞
Incredible resilience
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