Paris (France) (AFP) – Aryna Sabalenka's bid for a first French Open title was left in tatters as she fell apart in a bizarre defeat by Russian 25th seed Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Issued on: 03/06/2026 - 16:02
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Aryna Sabalenka threw away a golden chance of a first French Open title in the quarter-finals © Thomas SAMSON / AFP
The world number one led by a set and a double-break before exiting the tournament in a blaze of unforced errors, collapsing to a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss in blustery conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier.Shnaider will face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals 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."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 quarter-final, 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."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 semi-final)."Sabalenka's scarcely believable defeat was reminiscent of the way she threw away a strong position in last year's final against Coco Gauff.The Belarusian was playing in a 14th consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final but failed to become the first woman to make seven straight major semis since Serena Williams.Increasingly frustrated Sabalenka
