World number one Aryna Sabalenka suffered a stunning defeat to Russian 25th seed Diana Shnaider in the French Open quarter-finals, ending her bid for a maiden Roland Garros crown.
Sabalenka started strongly, taking the first set 6-3 and racing to a double-break lead in the second. However, her game collapsed under blustery conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier. Shnaider fought back to claim the second set 7-5 and dominated the decider 6-0.
Sabalenka committed 57 unforced errors, a tally that proved decisive. The Belarusian, who was the only Grand Slam champion left in either singles draw, failed to capitalise on her advantage and exited in dramatic fashion.
Shnaider, a left-hander playing her first major quarter-final, now advances to face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals. With this victory, she emerges as a strong contender for a place in the final.
Sabalenka’s defeat echoed her collapse in last year’s final against Coco Gauff. She was aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams to reach seven consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals, but fell short in her 14th straight quarter-final appearance.
