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Sabalenka Implodes; Shnaider and Qualifier Chwalinska Reach French Open Semifinals

Sabalenka’s quarterfinal collapse underscores recurring late-match fragility and leaves the tournament certain to crown a first-time Grand Slam singles champion.

Overview

  • World number one Aryna Sabalenka lost to Diana Shnaider 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 in the French Open quarterfinals after surrendering a set, a double-break lead, and serving for the match.
  • Sabalenka committed an unusually high number of unforced errors, reported at 57, and said after the match she felt overwhelmed and “just want to quit tennis right now.”
  • Diana Shnaider will face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semifinals after Chwalinska became only the second Roland Garros woman in the Open era to reach the last four as a qualifier.
  • The other women’s semi pits Mirra Andreeva against Marta Kostyuk, producing a last four that contains no former major singles champions and guarantees at least one first-time Grand Slam winner.
  • Players and reporters pointed to windy conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier as a factor in the day’s play, and the run of upsets has raised stakes for rankings, prize money, and the careers of several young players.