‘Princess’ Diana stuns queen Sabalenka in French Open

An ecstatic Diana Shnaider after beating Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka's bid for a first French Open title was left in tatters as she fell apart in a bizarre defeat by Russian 25th seed Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The World No. 1 led by a set and a double-break before exiting the tournament in a blaze of unforced errors, collapsing to a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss in blustery conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier.

"I just got into a deep, dark hole mentally and I just couldn't get back on track," said an emotional Sabalenka after the match.

A dejected Aryna Sabalenka after her quarter-final defeat to Diana Shnaider at the French Open on Wednesday. Pics/AFP

The Belarusian also questioned why the roof was left open amidst such windy conditions. "I don't know why they would keep the roof open when it was crazy windy. Even though I was winning, it was very dirty tennis. Then at some point she [Shnaider] stepped in and played unbelievably," said Sabalenka.

Meanwhile, Shnaider will face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals on Thursday.

"I'm speechless, I'm super happy. Obviously tough conditions with the wind. First time playing Aryna, so definitely a lot of nerves. I feel like in the third set I finally found my rhythm. Where to be a little more on defence and where to attack," said Shnaider, 22.

With the match at one set apiece, the Russian grew in confidence and moved 2-0 up in the third as Sabalenka sprayed eight unforced errors in the space of two games. Shnaider cruised to victory from there, when Sabalenka knocked a routine backhand straight into the net.

Who is Diana Shnaider?

. Diana Maximovna Shnaider, 22, was born in Zhigulevsk, Russia.
. She began playing tennis at age four; pursuing it seriously at eight. She is currently ranked 25th in the world.
. In 2022, she moved to the USA and enrolled at North Carolina State University, where she played college tennis.
. Shnaider made her Grand Slam debut at the 2023 Australian Open.

Four
No. of years since Aryna Sabalenka lost at the French Open before the semi-final stage

57
No. of unforced errors made by Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-final on Wednesday

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