After Jannik Sinner among men, the world number one among women is also out early. In the quarterfinals of the French Open, Aryna Sabalenka deservedly lost to Diana Shnaider 6:3, 5:7, 0:6.
“I have no thoughts or feelings right now. I would like to stop playing tennis immediately”said the completely dejected loser in the subsequent press conference. She took breaks between each half sentence and had to keep catching herself; it was obviously a particularly bitter defeat. “We’ll see in a few days. Hopefully I can get back on track mentally.”
Sabalenka two points from victory
It looked as if Sabalenka would be able to successfully overcome all odds. She had fought against the strong wind on Court Philippe Chartrier, which had blown sand into her face, and also kept Shnaider at bay despite a strong performance. With the score at 6:3, 5:4, the Belarusian served to win the match, was already leading 30:15 and was only two points away from the semi-finals. Then something sensational happened.
This wasn’t because Sabalenka had an inexplicable drop in performance, but rather because her opponent was playing really well. Shnaider is known for her exceptional forehand, which she can play precisely into the corners without much swing from her forearm. In exactly this way, the Russian chased the world number one across the pitch and prevented Sabalenka from winning the game.
Shnaider towers over the top, Sabelnka loses her nerve
The tournament favorite complained with her box, threw her arms towards the sky incomprehension and visibly despaired that what she was offering was simply not enough. Shnaider was too strong and managed everything. The 22-year-old had already put in an incredible finish in the previous round against Madison Keys, winning the third set 6-0 – now she did the same to Sabalenka.
A top player like her doesn’t know such situations, so she was overwhelmed by them. The frustration increased, the verbal excuses became louder and louder – while on the other hand the opponent played with great calm and perfection. Sabalenka tried to fight it with her strength, but after 2:12 hours she made her 57th mistake in the game and Shnaider converted the third match point to advance to the semi-finals of the French Open.
“Speechless” Shnaider now against sensation Chwalinska
“I’m speechless. The conditions obviously weren’t easy, plus it was my first quarter-final at a Grand Slam and my first game against Aryna. I was very nervous, tried to adapt and play point by point, not thinking about the court or the fact that I was playing against the number one in the world.”said Shnaider in the winner’s interview on the Philippe Chartrier: “This is super special for me. I found my rhythm in the third set, that should be the blueprint for the next game. But it’s already a special tournament for me.”
This now continues against another sensation. In the semi-finals, Shnaider will face Poland’s Maja Chwalinska, who as a qualifier has a chance of reaching the final of the French Open. This will definitely be achieved by a player that no one expected before the tournament.