How Aryna Sabalenka Blew It in the Wind
A year after a famous collapse in the French Open final, Sabalenka unraveled against Diana Shnaider
PARIS, France — The WTA moderator asked a fairly standard opening question as top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka sat down for her post-match press conference on Wednesday at Roland Garros.
“What are your thoughts and emotions after today's match?”
“No thoughts, no emotions,” Sabalenka replied morosely. “Just want to quit tennis right now.”
The bleakness was understandable for anyone who had watched the afternoon unfold. Sabalenka had been in full control of the quarterfinal match, leading 25th-seeded Diana Shnaider by a set and a double break.
What was more of a mystery was how it all went spectacularly and thoroughly wrong from then on, ending with the world’s best player being force-fed a third-set bagel.
What happened to turn the tides so severely that Sabalenka was completely swept away? Subscribe to Bounces to read on and find out—and please take advantage of the 15 percent off sale during this French Open which only lasts for a few more days! -Ben
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