Diana Shnaider produced one of the biggest upsets of the French Open on Wednesday, battling back from the brink of defeat to shock world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and book her place in a maiden Grand Slam semi-final as Roland Garros continued to deliver unexpected twists.
The 25th-seeded Russian recovered from a set and a double-break down to defeat Sabalenka 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 in difficult, windy conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier. In a remarkable turnaround, Shnaider won the final 10 games of the match after finding herself just two points away from elimination.
The victory extended a tournament trend that has already seen defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time Roland Garros winner Iga Swiatek exit earlier than expected. Shnaider's breakthrough win also ended Sabalenka's run of six consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearances.
Sabalenka appeared firmly in control after taking the opening set and establishing a commanding lead in the second. However, the Belarusian struggled as conditions worsened, while Shnaider gradually settled into her rhythm and began dictating rallies with her powerful left-handed forehand. The Russian completed the comeback in emphatic fashion, sweeping through the deciding set without dropping a game.
Shnaider will now face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska, who continued her dream run by defeating fellow Pole Anna Kalinskaya to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final. The result guarantees another first-time major finalist from the women's draw.
In the men's competition, Italy's Flavio Cobolli reached his first Grand Slam semi-final after overcoming Canada's fourth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Battling strong winds early in the match, Cobolli recovered after dropping the opening set and raised his level once the conditions improved. The 24-year-old Italian, enjoying the finest Grand Slam run of his career, now awaits the winner of the all-Italian quarter-final between Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi. His victory guarantees Italy at least one finalist in the men's singles draw.
Meanwhile, Brazilian teenage sensation Joao Fonseca saw his impressive Roland Garros campaign come to an end, but the youngster leaves Paris having further strengthened his reputation as one of tennis's brightest emerging talents.
