Sabalenka Falls to Shnaider in French Open Quarterfinals

Sabalenka's Shocking Exit

Aryna Sabalenka’s bid for a first French Open title has been left in tatters after she fell apart in a bizarre defeat by Russian 25th seed Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals.

The world number one led by a set and a double break before exiting the tournament on Wednesday in a blaze of unforced errors, collapsing to a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss in blustery conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

The Match in Focus

Shnaider will face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semifinals on Thursday, with Marta Kostyuk or Mirra Andreeva awaiting the winner in Sunday’s final.

“Well honestly, I’m speechless, I’m super happy. Obviously tough conditions with the wind,” said the 22-year-old Shnaider after beating a top-10 player for only the second time in her career.

“First time playing Aryna, so definitely a lot of nerves, and I feel the first set was trying to adjust to her game.”

Analyzing Sabalenka's Performance

Sabalenka was the only Grand Slam champion left in either the men’s or women’s singles draws at Roland-Garros, but belied that status by making a whopping 57 unforced errors.

Shnaider was playing in her first major quarterfinal, but now finds herself a strong favourite to reach the final heading into her last-four tie against world number 114 and fellow left-hander Chwalinska.

What's Next

“Definitely super happy I managed to finish on a good note rather than start on a good note. Definitely a special tournament for me here,” added the Russian.

“It’s going be a lefty battle, so I’m looking forward [to the semifinal].”