Shnaider shocks Sabalenka to reach French Open semi-finals

LONDON: Diana Shnaider came from a set and a double-break down to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 in the French Open quarter-finals on Wednesday, ending the Belarusian's push for a first Roland Garros title.

Sabalenka, the top seed and the only Grand Slam champion left in either the men's or women's singles draw, appeared in control early on before her game unravelled in difficult windy conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier. She finished with 57 unforced errors as Shnaider, the 25th seed, advanced to the last four in her first major quarter-final.

Shnaider will next play Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in Thursday's semi-final, with Marta Kostyuk or Mirra Andreeva awaiting the winner in Sunday's final. The 22-year-old Russian is now strongly placed to make the title match after defeating a top-10 player for only the second time in her career.

Speaking after the win, Shnaider said the conditions and the occasion had made for a difficult start.

Well honestly I'm speechless, I'm super happy. Obviously tough conditions with the wind.

She added:

First time playing Aryna so definitely a lot of nerves and I feel the first set was trying to adjust to her game.

Sabalenka lets strong position slip

Sabalenka was playing in her 14th successive Grand Slam quarter-final and was seeking to become the first woman since Serena Williams to reach seven straight major semi-finals. She made the stronger start, racing into a 5-1 lead in the opening set and eventually taking it on her third set point after initially failing to serve it out.

The second set followed a similar pattern at first. Sabalenka moved 4-1 ahead with a double-break, but then dropped serve and allowed Shnaider a route back into the contest. As the set wore on, Sabalenka became visibly frustrated and handed Shnaider three break points to level at 4-4.

Although Sabalenka steadied briefly to hold after animated exchanges with her box, her level soon dipped again. A run of unforced errors allowed Shnaider to break once more and draw level at 5-5, with Sabalenka repeatedly gesturing towards her coaching staff.

Shnaider took full advantage as Sabalenka struck consecutive forehands into the net to surrender the set and send the match into a decider.

Shnaider dominates final set

The Russian grew stronger in the third set and opened a 2-0 lead as Sabalenka committed eight unforced errors in the first two games alone. From there, Shnaider moved quickly to the finish line.

She sealed victory on her third match point when Sabalenka pushed a routine backhand into the net. The top seed won only 14 points in the final set as her campaign ended in emphatic fashion.

Shnaider later said she was pleased with the way she closed out the match and looked ahead to her next opponent.

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.

She added:

It's going be a lefty battle so I'm looking forward (to the semi-final).