About Author
Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
By Eppe Franklyne – Diana Shnaider produced a remarkable comeback to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka and secure a place in the French Open semi-finals after a thrilling contest in difficult conditions on Wednesday.
The Russian star battled back from a set down and overcame a double-break deficit to claim a stunning 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 victory. The win marked Shnaider’s first-ever appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final and added another major upset to an unpredictable French Open tournament.
The 22-year-old showed tremendous determination, winning the final 10 games of the match after coming within two points of defeat. She will now face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska for a place in the final.
“Obviously, the first time playing Aryna, I was super nervous. The first set, I was trying to adjust to her game, trying to figure out how to play,” Shnaider said.
Despite strong winds disrupting play on Court Philippe Chatrier, Sabalenka looked in control early on and opened a commanding lead before Shnaider gradually found her rhythm. The Russian recovered from another setback in the second set, erased a double-break advantage and levelled the match before dominating the decider.
“It’s definitely a super special win. I feel in the third set I finally found my rhythm and how to play and where to be a bit more,” Shnaider added.
A frustrated Sabalenka questioned the decision to keep the roof open during the windy conditions and admitted she struggled mentally after losing the second set.
“No thoughts, no emotions. I just want to quit tennis right now, but we’ll see in A few days. Hopefully I’ll get back on track mentally,” Sabalenka said.
The defeat ended Sabalenka’s run of six consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals, while Diana Shnaider moved one step closer to a historic French Open title.
