Sabalenka collapses in French Open quarter-finals

Aryna Sabalenka's quest for a maiden French Open title ended in a dramatic collapse on Wednesday, as the world number one squandered a commanding lead against Russian qualifier Diana Shnaider. The Belarusian lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 in blustery conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier, marking a surprising exit from Roland Garros.

Sabalenka appeared to be in firm control, having taken the first set and built a 5-1 lead in the second, with her service to extend the advantage. However, her game unraveled spectacularly. She committed a staggering 57 unforced errors throughout the match, allowing Shnaider to claw her way back into contention.

Shnaider, who was competing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final, showed remarkable composure. The 22-year-old Russian capitalized on Sabalenka's errors, eventually leveling the second set at 5-5 before closing it out. The momentum shifted decisively, and Shnaider dominated the final set, winning it 6-0 without reply.

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Well honestly I’m speechless, I’m super happy. Obviously tough conditions with the wind.

"Well honestly I’m speechless, I’m super happy. Obviously tough conditions with the wind," said Shnaider, who will face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals. "First time playing Aryna so definitely a lot of nerves and I feel the first set was trying to adjust to her game."

Sabalenka's defeat echoes her strong position lost in last year's final against Coco Gauff. Despite reaching her 14th consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, she failed to advance to the semi-finals for the seventh straight major, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams.

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First time playing Aryna so definitely a lot of nerves and I feel the first set was trying to adjust to her game.