Diana Shnaider defeated Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to reach the French Open semi-finals.
Struggling to cope with the windy conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier, Sabalenka lost her cool on quarter-final day at Roland Garros.
The world number one was seen complaining to her box throughout the match and let out two audible screams during her final service game, where she was broken again to lose the deciding set 6-0.
What’s next for Aryna Sabalenka after shock French Open exit?
During her post-match press conference, Shnaider was asked for her thoughts on Sabalenka’s behaviour.
Diana Shnaider insists Aryna Sabalenka’s behaviour didn’t bother her in their French Open quarter-final
“No, not at all, it wasn’t difficult,” said Shnaider.
“All of us have our moments where we go to the team, because we need to let steam off and they totally understand; it’s no hard feelings!
“It’s nothing against the team; we just want to win so much, we want to show good tennis, so sometimes it’s just too many emotions.
“Of course, I saw some moments of frustration.
“I know Aryna [Sabalenka] is a very emotional person; I am too!
“I feel like at this tournament, what I am doing pretty good is not letting my negative emotions and thoughts get in the way of me playing my best tennis.
“For sure, there were a lot of moments where I could also be super p— at myself, super frustrated with everything that was happening, but at the end, when I saw her being emotional, I was like yes, you’ve got to focus on yourself, don’t focus too much on her, what she’s saying to her team, what she’s doing.
“I was just trying to go point by point.”
Diana Shnaider vs Aryna Sabalenka – Match stats
| Stats | Diana Shnaider | Aryna Sabalenka |
| Aces | 1 | 2 |
| Double Faults | 1 | 3 |
| 1st Serve % | 75% | 72% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 55% | 57% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 72% | 39% |
| Break points | 7/20 | 4/5 |
While Sabalenka broke down on the other side of the court, Shnaider kept her composure, booking her place in the semis.
Shnaider was also asked about the conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier, after Sabalenka complained that they didn’t close the roof because of the wind.
“Honestly, I was warming up with a closed roof; I didn’t know that they were going to open it up,” she said.
“They started to open it right when I was finishing my warm-up. I was a little bit surprised by that decision.
“But, again, the conditions were very tough, there were a lot of dirty shots, very unpredictable, a lot of wind, a lot of sand!
“I feel like I was a little annoyed more in the first set, but I tried to keep reminding myself that the conditions were the same for both of us. I’ve got to just admit that it’s tough and figure out what I’ve got to do, where the wind is going, what should I do from this side, what do I need to do from the opposite side…
“Of course, I knew the final from last year; I watched it, I knew that it was super windy, so I had that thought in the back of my mind that she was struggling against Coco [Gauff] last year, and I was like, I’ve got to use this opportunity, adjust, and do my best.”
Sabalenka struggled in the wind during last year’s French Open final, which she lost from a set up.
Shnaider was glad to see history repeat itself as she now sets her sights on the semi-finals.
Who will Diana Shnaider play in the French Open semi-finals?
Tomorrow, Shnaider will play Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals.
Chwalinska defeated Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in the earlier quarter-final, 7-6, 6-3.
Shnaider and Chwalinska have met once before, in Istanbul, four years ago.
On that occasion, Shnaider emerged victorious, winning in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.
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The Russian wasn’t surprised to see Chwalinska reach the Roland Garros semi-finals, as she previewed their big match.
“It’s crazy, of course, I remember playing her,” said Shnaider.
“I even remember where it was, it was a 60K in Istanbul, semi-finals.
“She is a very tricky player, so I’m not surprised that she’s good. Sometimes it just takes time, but yeah, she’s very tricky with the dropshots, the slices; she’s a lefty.
“It’s going to be a big switch for me, for tomorrow’s match.
“Happy for her, I’m expecting a big fight tomorrow, both of us are going to be giving it our all, with a huge opportunity in front of us, so I think it’s going to be a great match.”
Shnaider will play Chwalinska in the French Open semi-finals on Thursday, June 4.
The winner will advance to play Marta Kostyuk or Mirra Andreeva in the final on Saturday, June 6.
