World number one Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated from the French Open after suffering a significant quarter-final defeat to Diana Shnaider. Sabalenka, who was a finalist at Roland Garros the previous year, was leading 6-3, 4-1 before Shnaider mounted a comeback.
The 25th seed from Russia won 12 of the final 13 games, ultimately claiming the match with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-0. This victory marks Shnaider’s first appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final.
With Sabalenka’s defeat, Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva emerges as the highest-ranked player remaining in the women’s draw. Sabalenka was the last Grand Slam singles champion left in the tournament and was considered a strong favorite for the title.
Windy conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier impacted Sabalenka’s performance, leading to 57 unforced errors throughout the match. Her frustration was apparent as she reacted by throwing her arms up and expressing dissatisfaction toward her team.
This loss echoed her performance in last year’s final against Coco Gauff, where she recorded 70 unforced errors after losing a one-set lead.
Shnaider expressed her surprise and excitement in a post-match interview, stating, “Honestly I am speechless. She is the world number one, so I was just trying to do my best. I had to fight for every point.”
Shnaider is set to face qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals, following Chwalinska’s victory over Anna Kalinskaya earlier in the day.
Source: www.bbc.com via Google News.
