Shnaider stuns world number one Sabalenka to reach French Open semifinals
Paris, June 3
World number one Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shock defeat to Diana Shnaider in the French Open quarterfinals on Wednesday, going down 3-6, 7-5, 6-0.
The four-time Grand Slam champion appeared on course for victory after taking the opening set and building a 4-1 lead in the second, as quoted by ESPN.
Sabalenka was also just two points away from sealing the match while serving at 5-4 in the second set, but was unable to close it out against Shnaider, who was playing in her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Sabalenka's frustration became increasingly evident during the deciding set. After falling 0-30 behind in the sixth game, she stood motionless and screamed loudly following the loss of a point. Although she managed to save two match points at 0-40, the Belarusian eventually handed victory to Shnaider when she hit a shot into the net.
The top seed endured a dramatic collapse, losing 12 of the final 13 games of the contest.
Earlier in the day, Maja Chwalinska continued her impressive run at Roland Garros with a 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory over 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya.
For Sabalenka, the defeat echoed her struggles in last year's final against Coco Gauff, when visible frustration and emotional outbursts accompanied a loss to the American.
The Belarusian had shown signs of agitation even while serving for the opening set, but remained in control for much of the match. However, after failing to convert her opportunity to serve out the contest in the second set despite leading 30-15, momentum shifted decisively in Shnaider's favour.
Shnaider, already enjoying her deepest run at a major tournament, capitalised on the opening by breaking Sabalenka and taking control of the match.
As the deciding set progressed, Sabalenka's frustration continued to grow. After missing a volley at the net in the fourth game, she crouched down and rested her head on her racket momentarily.
With confidence flowing and momentum firmly on her side, Shnaider completed a remarkable comeback, while Sabalenka was unable to find a way back into the contest.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is why I love Grand Slams - the upsets are always around the corner! Sabalenka looked unbeatable in the first set but tennis is a game of momentum. Shnaider's resilience is truly inspiring for young players back home in India. Jio and win! 💪
Sabalenka needs to work on her mental game. She was cruising but one bad game and everything fell apart. Losing 12 of the last 13 games is a massive collapse. Shnaider deserves all the credit though - she didn't buckle under pressure. Hope she goes all the way now!
As a tennis fan from India, I was so happy to see Shnaider's fighting spirit! She was literally two points away from losing but never gave up. Sabalenka's screaming and racket-smashing was bit too much - needs to learn from Federer's composure. Well played, Shnaider! 👏
Honestly, Sabalenka's behaviour when things go wrong is concerning. Screaming loudly, crouching with head on racket... these are signs of a player who's mentally fragile despite her power game. Shnaider showed how to stay calm and seize opportunities. Great lesson for all young players watching in India! 🇮🇳
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