PARIS : Russia’s Diana Shnaider rallied from a set and a double-break down to upset world number one Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 7-5 6-0 in difficult windy conditions on Wednesday, booking a place in her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open.
The result added another surprise to a tournament already marked by the exits of defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time champion Iga Swiatek, further opening up the women’s draw.
Shnaider, seeded 25th, appeared headed for defeat when she trailed by a set and two breaks and found herself two points from elimination. Instead, the 22-year-old mounted a remarkable turnaround, winning the final 10 games of the match to secure the biggest victory of her career.
She will face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals.
“Obviously, the first time playing Aryna, I was super nervous. The first set, I was trying to adjust to her game, trying to figure out how to play,” Shnaider said.
“I was trying to focus point by point, not thinking about the score. She’s the world number one, so I just tried to do my best. I had to fight for every point.”
Shnaider said she finally found the right rhythm in the deciding set.
“It’s definitely a super special win. I feel 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.”
Strong winds on Court Philippe Chatrier troubled both players throughout the contest. Sabalenka initially coped better with the conditions, racing into a 5-1 lead in the opening set before briefly losing momentum as the swirling gusts affected ball control.
The Belarusian regained her composure to close out the set in 49 minutes and appeared firmly in command when she moved ahead by a double break in the second.
However, Shnaider steadily raised her level, clawing back to 5-5 before forcing a deciding set. The left-hander then dominated the finale, using her heavy forehand to push Sabalenka onto the defensive and breaking early for a 2-0 lead.
She never looked back, completing a stunning comeback and handing Sabalenka a defeat that ended the Belarusian’s run of six consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearances.
For Shnaider, the victory represents a breakthrough moment as she continues her rise on the women’s tour and moves within one win of a first Grand Slam final.
