Aryna Sabalenka said she wanted to quit tennis after a shocking 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 defeat to Diana Shnaider in the French Open quarter-finals. The world No 1 lost 10 consecutive games in one of the worst meltdowns of her career.
Leading 6-3, 4-1, 30-0, Sabalenka appeared on course for victory. However, she became paralysed by tension, allowing Shnaider to fight back and secure a first grand slam semi-final. Sabalenka later said she was in a 'deep, dark hole' mentally.
The Belarusian also criticised organisers for not closing the roof in windy conditions. Shnaider admitted she drew inspiration from Sabalenka's collapse against Coco Gauff in last year's final.
Sabalenka's defeat leaves the women's draw wide open, with qualifier Maja Chwalinska among the semi-finalists. The 114th-ranked Pole has won eight matches in Paris, dropping just one set.
