French Open: Russian qualifier Shnaider stuns world No. 1 Sabalenka to reach first Grand Slam semifinal

In a stunning upset at the French Open, 22-year-old Russian qualifier Diana Shnaider defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set match, reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal.

Shnaider battled back from a set down, losing the first 3-6 before rallying to take the next two sets 7-5, 6-0. The victory was particularly remarkable as Shnaider became only the fourth female player in Grand Slam history to win a deciding set 6-0 against a world No. 1.

Her semifinal opponent will be Poland's Maja Chwalińska, ensuring a unique matchup in the women's singles. This marks the first time since 1984 that the French Open semifinals will feature two left-handed players.

Beyond the women's draw, the tournament is guaranteed to crown new Grand Slam singles champions in both the men's and women's events. According to OptaAce, this scenario, where all eight semifinalists in both draws are first-time Grand Slam champions, has not occurred since the 1977 French Open, highlighting a significant shift in the sport's established hierarchy.

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Today the conditions were very difficult, it was very windy. It was my first time playing against her, and my first time in a Grand Slam quarterfinal, so I was very nervous. In the first set, I was still adapting to her playing style and the wind.