The French Open experienced a whirlwind of upsets on Wednesday as top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina were eliminated in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev restored some semblance of normalcy by advancing to the next round.
Sabalenka’s Struggle with Illness Ends Winning Streak
Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed, battled illness throughout her match, ultimately succumbing to a 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 defeat at the hands of Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva. This loss halted the Australian Open champion’s impressive 11-match Grand Slam winning streak on Court Philippe Chatrier. Despite her evident discomfort, the 26-year-old continued to fight, drawing support from the spectators.
Andreeva’s Historic Semi-Final Achievement
Mirra Andreeva‘s victory marked her first major semi-final appearance, making her the youngest player to reach this stage at a Grand Slam since Martina Hingis in 1997. She now faces Jasmine Paolini, who also caused an upset by defeating Rybakina. Andreeva credited her success to her coach Conchita Martinez and her fearless approach to the game.
“I always play the way I want to play,” Andreeva said. “We have a plan with my coach, but once I’m on the court, I forget everything and just play my game.”
Rybakina Falls to Determined Paolini
Elena Rybakina, the fourth seed, was unable to overcome Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, who secured a 6-2 4-6 6-4 win. Paolini’s consistent play over the past year has bolstered her confidence against top-tier opponents.
“I started to believe in my abilities last year, and now I step on court knowing I have a chance to win,” Paolini explained. She acknowledged the challenge ahead against Andreeva, praising her young opponent’s mental toughness and overall skill.
Sabalenka’s Health Woes
Sabalenka revealed she had been struggling with a stomach bug for several days, hampering her ability to perform at her best. “I had a tough time physically, but I gave it my all,” Sabalenka said. Despite her illness, she fought valiantly, hoping to replicate Serena Williams’ 2015 feat of winning both the Australian Open and Roland Garros in the same season.
Zverev Advances Amid Djokovic’s Withdrawal
Alexander Zverev, the fourth seed, moved forward with a 6-4 7-6(5) 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur. Zverev had to adapt his game due to slow court conditions, which reduced the impact of his powerful serve. In a crucial second-set tiebreak, he overcame a 4-0 deficit, maintaining his composure to clinch the set.
“I stayed calm,” Zverev stated. “The conditions made it tough to hit winners, so I focused on extended rallies.”
Zverev’s win came after defending champion Novak Djokovic withdrew from the tournament due to a knee injury, which may affect his participation in Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics. This development allowed seventh seed Casper Ruud to advance to the semi-finals.
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Looking Ahead: Semi-Finals Showdown
As the French Open progresses, the spotlight will be on the semi-final matches. Andreeva’s match against Paolini promises to be a thrilling encounter between a fearless young talent and a seasoned player hitting her stride. Meanwhile, Zverev aims to capture his first Grand Slam title after reaching his fourth consecutive semi-final at Roland Garros.
The French Open continues to captivate tennis fans with its blend of unexpected twists and high-stakes matches, showcasing the resilience and skill of its top competitors.
