World number one Aryna Sabalenka was stunned as Diana Shnaider pulled off a huge French Open upset

Diana Shnaider produced one of the biggest surprises at Roland Garros 2026, stunning world number one Aryna Sabalenko 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final. The Russian appeared to be headed for defeat when trailing 3-6, 3-5 in the second set, Sabalenkova was just two points away from victory. However, Shnaider made a remarkable comeback and completely turned the match on its head.

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From the brink of elimination, she broke Sabalenkova’s serve six times in a row and cruised to an unforgettable victory. The triumph marked her first career win over a top-ranked player and only her second win over a top-10 opponent, making the achievement even more significant.

Sabalenka hadn’t dropped a set during the tournament before the quarterfinals, but Shnaider ended the flawless run in stunning fashion. After already knocking out Grand Slam champion Madison Keys in the fourth round, the Russian added another major champion to her list of scalps with a career-defining performance on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

SHNAIDER STRUGGLES WITH WINDY CONDITIONS

Prior to Wednesday’s quarterfinals, Diana Shnaider had never faced Aryna Sabalenkova on the WTA Tour. Although she didn’t show it on court, the Russian later admitted she was nervous about facing the world number one for the first time and initially struggled to adapt to the windy conditions. But Shnaider focused on one point at a time, reminding herself of the challenge before her as she battled for every ball.

“Honestly, I’m speechless. I’m super happy. Today was obviously a bit challenging because of the wind conditions. It was the first time I played with Arya and I was very nervous. I played in the quarterfinals for the first time, the first set was about adapting to her game, the conditions and the wind and how to play,” Shnaider said.

I just tried to focus point by point and not think about the score. I kept thinking, ‘It’s okay, these are tough conditions. She is world number one.” So I just tried to do my best until the end and see how it goes.

“I was fighting for every point, running for every ball and trying to get back on the court one more shot,” Shnaider added.

HOW TO TAKE SCNAIDER DOWN

Shnaider produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of Roland Garros 2026 to stun Sabalenka in front of a packed house in Paris. Sabalenka looked firmly in control for most of the match. Belarus dominated the opening set before racing to a 4-1 lead in the second, crushing Shnaider with power and precision.

At that stage, the top seed appeared to be cruising to victory. But Shnaider refused to back down. The Russian gradually worked her way back into the match, earning one break before continuing to pressure Sabalenkova’s serve. Even after missing four break opportunities in one game, she remained patient and finally leveled the set at 5:5.

Since then, the dynamic has shifted dramatically. Shnaider won five of the last six games of the second set to take the score 7-5, leaving Sabalenkova to head into the decider. The Russian sensed her opportunity and raised the level even further in the third set.

She broke serve early and never allowed Sabalenka to recover, cruising through the set. In a stunning collapse, Sabalenka lost her serve six times in a row as Shnaider completed a sensational victory.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

03 Jun 2026 19:41 IST