Paris, June 3 - Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, was knocked out of the French Open on a windy Wednesday by Diana Shnaider, who mounted a comeback victory of 3-6, 7-5, 6-0. The result further blows open a draw already missing defending champion Coco Gauff, four-time winner Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic. It marks the first time since 1977 that no Grand Slam champion will appear in a major semi-final.
Sabalenka, visibly frustrated, told reporters: “I just want to quit tennis now… I got into a very deep, dark hole.” She lost 10 consecutive games after being a set and a break up. Shnaider credited her tactical adjustment and recalled Sabalenka’s struggles in windy conditions during last year's final.
Shnaider will face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska, who defeated Anna Kalinskaya and has already earned $870,000 this tournament-more than her entire career earnings. On the men's side, Flavio Cobolli beat Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final, crediting his run to superstitious rituals including using Rafa Nadal's preferred shower stall.