Sabalenka ousted by Shnaider as shocks continue at French Open

Aryna Sabalenka’s French Open run ended in a quarter-final defeat to Diana Shnaider.

Aryna Sabalenka was knocked out of the French Open by Diana Shnaider on Wednesday, as the Russian staged a comeback to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 and add another surprise to a chaotic tournament at Roland Garros. The world number one had led by a set and a double break before the match turned decisively against her.

Shnaider recovered from the brink to win the final ten games of the quarter-final, sealing her first career victory over a reigning world number one. The result sends her into the semi-finals and leaves the women’s draw even more open heading into the closing stages.

Sabalenka’s exit follows a series of shocks in Paris, with defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time French Open winner Iga Swiatek already out before the last week of the tournament. Her defeat means the title race will be decided without several of the biggest names in the field.

The match was played in blustery conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier, and Shnaider took control after Sabalenka’s early lead began to slip. Once the Russian found her rhythm, Sabalenka was unable to recover as the momentum shifted sharply.

For Sabalenka, the loss extends her wait for a first French Open title after another strong run ended before the final. For Shnaider, the victory marks a major breakthrough on clay and one of the biggest results of her career