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Sabalenka the latest French Open shock exit as Shnaider wins quarterfinal
TL;DR
World number one Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated from the French Open quarterfinals by 25th seed Diana Shnaider, losing 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 after leading by a set and a double break. Shnaider will face Maja Chwalinska in the semifinals.
Key points
- Aryna Sabalenka lost to Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals
- Sabalenka led by a set and a double break before losing
- Shnaider will face Maja Chwalinska in the semifinals
Mentioned in this story
Aryna SabalenkaDiana ShnaiderMaja Chwalinska
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.
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.”
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.
“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].”
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 her 14th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal, but failed to become the first woman to make seven straight major semis since Serena Williams.
Diana Shnaider celebrates winning match point against Aryna Sabalenka [Dan Istitene/Getty Images]
The top seed raced into a 5-1 lead and eventually sealed the opener on her third set point after initially failing to serve it out.
The second set followed a similar pattern at first, as Sabalenka moved 4-1 in front with a double break before throwing away her next service game.
Sabalenka became increasingly frustrated as she gifted Shnaider three break points to level at 4-4.
Q&A
What caused Aryna Sabalenka's loss in the French Open quarterfinals?
Sabalenka's loss was attributed to a series of unforced errors, despite initially leading the match.
Who will Diana Shnaider face in the French Open semifinals?
Diana Shnaider will face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semifinals.
What was the score of the match between Sabalenka and Shnaider?
The match ended with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 in favor of Diana Shnaider.
