World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has been eliminated from the French Open after a surprising loss to Diana Shnaider, despite being ahead by a set and two breaks.
Sabalenka was a strong favorite for her first Roland Garros title, but she faced an unexpected exit herself.
The 28-year-old was leading 6-3, 4-1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier, with a service game coming up, and then 6-4, 5-4 while serving for the match. However, a determined Shnaider broke Sabalenka’s serve three times to take the second set and then dominated the third set, winning 6-0 in a major upset.
In the quarter-finals on Wednesday, Sabalenka showcased her power from the baseline, quickly taking a 5-1 lead in the first set.
Schnaider claims victory over top player Sabalenka
However, Shnaider showed her resilience and skill by breaking Sabalenka’s serve, holding her own serve, and creating three break point opportunities to level the match.
Sabalenka saved all three break points but eventually conceded a fourth, which she also saved before securing a crucial hold to lead 5-3.
While serving for the match at 5-4, Sabalenka made some errors, allowing Shnaider to earn another break point. This time, Shnaider leveled the score at 5-5.
The match concluded with Sabalenka suffering another break of serve, and Shnaider completed a stunning bagel victory to advance to the Grand Slam semi-finals.
Shnaider will face Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals, with Chwalinska having made an impressive run through qualifying and currently ranked 114 in the world.
The development comes after defending champion Coco Gauff, four-time champion Iga Swiatek, and 2026 Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina were knocked out of the French Open.
Read more: Defending champion Gauff eliminated from French Open
