Big upset! World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka bows out of French Open 2026 after quarter-final loss to Diana Shnaider

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) The French Open witnessed a major upset on Wednesday as world number one Aryna Sabalenka crashed out in dramatic fashion against Diana Shnaider. Despite being in complete control for most of the match, Sabalenka squandered a set lead and a double break advantage before losing 3-6, 7-5, 6-0.The four-time Grand Slam champion looked set to advance to the semi-finals when she led 4-1 in the second set and later served for the match at 5-4. However, Shnaider, playing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final, staged a stunning comeback and completely dominated the deciding set.As the match slipped away, Sabalenka’s frustration showed. She screamed loudly in the third set after losing a point that left her trailing 0-30 in the match. She managed to save two match points, but Belarus eventually bowed out after hitting the net.The defeat was reminiscent of last year’s French Open final, where Sabalenkova also struggled under pressure before losing to Coco Gauff.For Shnaider, the victory is the biggest of his career and secures an unforgettable place in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.Earlier in the day, unseeded Polish player Maja Chwalinska continued her dream run by beating 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya 7-6 (3), 6-3 to reach the semifinals.Chwalinska, who went through three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw, became only the second Polish woman to reach the semi-finals of the French Open after Iza Swiatek.The 24-year-old player tried to believe her success after the victory.“I honestly don’t know what’s going on. Every single match is a little bit crazy for me,” she said. “I was definitely nervous. Of course I’m stressed, but I’m trying to focus on my job, on my game.”Chwalinska, who had never advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam before this tournament, added: “I’m playing against the best players in the world. I’m not going to compare myself to them.”Her remarkable journey now continues into the final four.