Diana Shnaider stuns Aryna Sabalenka to reach first French Open semi-final

The 2026 French Open women's draw took another dramatic twist on Wednesday as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka suffered a stunning collapse against Diana Shnaider, while Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska continued her fairytale run into the semi-finals.

With defending champions and several top seeds already eliminated, Roland Garros has become one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams in recent memory, and Wednesday's action only added to the chaos.

Shnaider produces sensational comeback against Sabalenka

Diana Shnaider delivered the biggest victory of her career, recovering from a set down and a double-break deficit to defeat top seed Aryna Sabalenka 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 and book her place in a maiden Grand Slam semi-final.

The 22-year-old Russian appeared headed for defeat when Sabalenka surged to a 4-1 lead in the second set and stood just two points away from victory while serving at 5-4.

Instead, the match flipped dramatically. Shnaider broke back, seized control of the momentum and completely overwhelmed the four-time Grand Slam champion. The Russian won 12 of the final 13 games, leaving Sabalenka visibly frustrated as her hopes of capturing a first French Open title evaporated.

"Honestly, I am speechless," Shnaider said after the match.

"I just tried to focus point by point and fight for every ball. Playing the world No. 1 means you have nothing to lose."

Sabalenka's Roland Garros dream ends in frustration

For long periods, Sabalenka looked in complete control. Her aggressive baseline game and powerful serving had placed her firmly on course for the last four before the collapse began.

As the deciding set slipped away, the Belarusian struggled to regain composure. At one stage she screamed in frustration after falling behind in the third set, while another missed volley saw her crouch over her racket in disbelief.

The defeat continues a difficult trend for Sabalenka at Roland Garros, where she is still searching for a first title despite her dominance at other Grand Slam tournaments.

The result also leaves the women's draw without its highest-ranked remaining player, opening the door even wider for a surprise champion.

Chwalinska's Cinderella story rolls on

Earlier in the day, Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska reached the biggest milestone of her career by defeating 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya 7-6(3), 6-4.

Ranked No. 114 in the world entering the tournament, Chwalinska navigated three qualifying rounds before beginning a remarkable run through the main draw.

The 24-year-old had never progressed beyond the second round of a Grand Slam prior to this year's tournament, but now finds herself among the final four players in Paris.

When Kalinskaya's final forehand drifted wide, Chwalinska covered her face in disbelief as the crowd rose to applaud one of the stories of the tournament.

"I honestly don't know what is happening," she said after the match.

"Every match here feels unreal for me. I just try to focus on winning the next point and the next match."

History made for Polish Tennis

Chwalinska becomes just the second Polish woman in history to reach the French Open semi-finals after four-time champion Iga Swiatek.

She is also only the sixth qualifier in the Open Era to reach the women's singles semi-finals at a Grand Slam, joining a select group that includes 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu.

Her unexpected run has already transformed her career both competitively and financially, with prize money from Roland Garros surpassing her previous career earnings.

Semi-final showdown set

Following Sabalenka's exit, Shnaider will now face Chwalinska in a semi-final few could have predicted at the start of the tournament.

One player is appearing in her first Grand Slam semi-final, while the other entered the draw through qualifying and has become the surprise package of Roland Garros 2026.

With several favourites already eliminated, both women now stand just one victory away from reaching their first Grand Slam final.

SportsLigue