Aryna Sabalenka Turns In A Textbook Meltdown At The French Open
Defector • • sports
Key Points:
- Both No. 1 seeds in men's and women's singles have been eliminated from Roland-Garros, with Aryna Sabalenka suffering a dramatic collapse after leading Diana Shnaider 6-3, 4-1 in their quarterfinal match.
- Sabalenka lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 after losing 10 consecutive games, marking her fourth career bagel at a major and highlighting a sudden loss of form reminiscent of her 2025 final defeat.
- Shnaider capitalized on windy conditions by maintaining aggressive play, while Sabalenka shifted to a more conservative style, allowing Shnaider to dominate the deciding set.
- Sabalenka expressed deep mental frustration post-match, describing feeling trapped in a "deep, dark hole" and questioned the tournament's decision to keep the roof open amid strong winds.
- With Sabalenka's exit, the women's draw is guaranteed a first-time French Open champion, continuing the theme of elusive Grand Slam success despite Sabalenka's status as world No. 1.