Aryna Sabalenka expressed a desire to quit tennis following her unexpected defeat in the French Open quarter-finals, according to Sky Sports. The world No. 1 lost to Diana Shnaider in a shocking match held in Paris on May 31, 2026.[2]
What happened
Aryna Sabalenka suffered a surprising loss to Diana Shnaider in the French Open quarter-finals. The match took place at Court Philippe-Chatrier, where Sabalenka held a commanding lead of 6-3, 5-3 before dramatically collapsing. She lost three consecutive sets, concluding the match with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-0.[1]
Following her defeat, Sabalenka remarked,
“No thoughts, no emotions. I just want to quit tennis right now, but we’ll see in a few days.”
She reflected on missed opportunities, stating,
“I feel I had very decent opportunities in the second set. I screwed up, and then she stepped in and she played great.”
Why it matters
This loss is particularly significant for Sabalenka, as she was one of the tournament favorites, especially with other top players eliminated. Her inability to convert the lead raises questions about her mental resilience during crucial moments in matches. The defeat may further complicate her attempts to secure her first title at Roland-Garros.
Background
On May 20, 2026, Sabalenka entered the French Open as the world’s top player, aiming for her first victory at the prestigious tournament. Previous matches leading up to the quarter-finals showed her strong form, especially against several top competitors who had been eliminated earlier.
However, her journey has been marred by stumbles in critical moments. Last year, she faced similar frustrations during the final against Coco Gauff, where she again struggled to maintain her composure.
What’s next
Sabalenka’s immediate plans include retreating to evaluate her mental state ahead of future competitions. No specific dates for her return to the court have been announced, but her next scheduled event is anticipated in early June 2026.
