Russian underdog Diana Shnaider delivered an extraordinary comeback to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 in challenging windy conditions, securing her spot in the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday.
This tournament has already seen numerous surprises, including the early exits of defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time winner Iga Swiatek. Sabalenka’s loss added another unexpected twist to an increasingly unpredictable women’s draw.
Shnaider reached her first Grand Slam semi-final after an impressive fightback, winning the last 10 games of the match despite being just two points away from defeat at one stage. She is set to face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals.
Reflecting on her performance, Shnaider admitted, “Playing Aryna for the first time, I was very nervous. I focused on adjusting to her style and taking it point by point. Being the world number one, I knew I had to fight for every point.” She highlighted that finding her rhythm in the third set was crucial, describing the victory as “super special.”
The match was heavily influenced by strong winds on Court Philippe Chatrier, which made shot execution difficult for both players. Sabalenka initially dominated, taking a 5-1 lead in the first set, but momentum shifted as the wind intensified.
Sabalenka expressed frustration over the conditions, questioning the decision to keep the roof open during such windy weather. “Mentally, I wasn’t in a good place once things started slipping away,” she said. The Belarusian visibly struggled with her mental game after losing control of the second set.
Meanwhile, Shnaider capitalized on the changing momentum, dominating the final set to secure one of the most significant victories of her career. Her win also ended Sabalenka’s streak of six consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearances.
