Key facts
- World number one Aryna Sabalenka is considering quitting tennis.
- Sabalenka lost 10 consecutive games in her French Open quarter-final match.
- She was defeated by Diana Shnaider with a final score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-0.
- Sabalenka cited wind conditions for her performance.
- Sabalenka faced criticism for booting a ball towards ball kids during the match.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka is reportedly considering quitting tennis following a dramatic meltdown at the French Open. Sabalenka suffered a complete collapse in her quarter-final match against Diana Shnaider, losing 10 consecutive games and ultimately the match with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-0. The player attributed her performance to the wind conditions at Roland Garros. Adding to the controversy, Sabalenka also faced criticism for booting a ball towards ball kids during the match. This unexpected exit and her subsequent statements raise questions about her future in the sport. The defeat saw her lose 12 of the last 13 games played. Shnaider, who played collegiately at NC State before turning professional in 2023, will play in the first Grand Slam semifinal of her career against Poland's Maja Chwalinska. The Russian, ranked 23rd in the world, will be the favorite, with a spot in the finals on the line, while Chwalinska is ranked outside the top 100. The 2026 French Open has seen other shocking results, including World No. 1 Jannik Sinner losing in the second round. Sabalenka, who was the clear favorite to win the title in Paris after other top players had been upset in previous rounds, was left visibly frustrated after the match and struggled to hide her disappointment.