Aryna Sabalenka is out of the French Open in a massive upset after losing to Diana Shnaider.
In a tournament that has seen seismic shocks across both the men’s and women’s draws, the world number one is the next one to fall, losing the last set without winning a single game.
Sabalenka left the court immediately after her loss, with Shnaider through to her first-ever major semi-final.
Shnaider mounted a comeback from a set and a double break deficit to upset the world number one 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 during the contest.
Aryna Sabalenka is out of the French Open
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Sabalenka found her rhythm in the tough, windy conditions in set one, racing to a 5-1 advantage before losing her serve.
The world number one let out a frustrated scream after hitting a backhand that gave Shnaider another breakpoint.
She composed herself and won the first set, pumping her fist in celebration.
Shnaider showed her class in the second set, breaking the world number one and winning 7-5.
Sabalenka is the next big name out of the French Open
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The world number 25 came into her own in set three, smashing Sabalenka 6-0 to set up a contest against Maja Chwalinska.
Speaking afterwards, Shnaider said: “Well, honestly I am speechless. Super happy. Obviously, today tough conditions with the wind.
“Obviously, the first time playing in an arena – super nervous. So definitely a lot of nerves.
“The first set was trying to adjust to her game, trying to figure out how to play.
Sabalenka headed straight off the court after her loss
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“I feel like I was trying to focus point by point. Not thinking about the score. She is the world number one, so I just trying to do my best. I just had to fight for every point.”
She continued: “Definitely a super special win. I feel like in the third set I finally found my rhythm and how to play and where to be a bit more.
“The third set was the one I should be aiming for from the beginning.
“Super happy to finish on a good note. Super special tournament for me here.”
Shnaider described her victory as a ‘super special win’
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Discussing her preparations for the final four, she said: “Today we are going to take care of the body and recover and get ready for tomorrow. It is going to be a lefty battle, so I am looking forward to it.”
Shnaider’s semi-final will be against Chwalinska, who has had an incredible story herself after also reaching her first grand slam semi-final as a qualifier.
The Polish qualifier is the sixth player in the Open era to reach a women’s Grand Slam semi-final after making it through qualifying.
Famously, Emma Raducanu reached the same goal in 2021 at the US Open, when the Briton went all the way to win the major.
