Diana Shnaider pulled off one of the biggest upsets of this year’s Roland Garros, knocking Aryna Sabalenka out in the quarter-finals.
Sabalenka had come into the tournament as a heavy favourite, especially after her main competition had already been eliminated.
But Shnaider, seeded 25th, came from behind to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 on Philippe Chatrier.
It was an impressive turnaround from the 22-year-old Russian, who will face qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals.
Sabalenka missed a golden opportunity to add a fifth Grand Slam title to her collection. Tim Henman didn’t hold back his disappointment over her performance.
Tim Henman reacts to Aryna Sabalenka’s Roland Garros exit
“I am staggered. I am shocked. When you think about the first set and a half it wasn’t easy out there but it was Sabalenka in control.
“In the context of the world number one to lose 10 games in a row, she has had a meltdown out there but I think Shnaider deserves a lot of credit.
“She stayed in the rallies and made every ball when it wasn’t easy! It’s a lonely place.
“When you are out on your own and it’s a big stage and a big match, there’s nobody to turn to. There are no substitutes allowed.”
The match lasted just over two hours, with Sabalenka appearing uncomfortable in the windy conditions throughout.
Aryna Sabalenka falls short against Diana Shnaider
A lot of the conversation will naturally focus on Sabalenka, given how surprising the result was. But as Henman noted, Shnaider also deserves plenty of recognition for her performance against one of the game’s top players.
The doubles specialist has just delivered what may be considered not only the upset of the women’s draw but possibly of this year’s entire tournament.
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