On Wednesday, both Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, the No 2 and No 4 ranked players in the world, suffered shocking defeats in the French Open quarter-finals to underdogs Mirra Andreeva and Jasmine Paolini. Andreeva, just 17 years old, pulled off the biggest win of her career, defeating Sabalenka in a hard-fought match that lasted 2 hours and 29 minutes. Despite struggling physically, Sabalenka fought through the match, but Andreeva’s determined play ultimately secured her a spot in the semi-finals.
Andreeva’s opponent in the next round was supposed to be Rybakina, who couldn’t find a way past Italy’s Paolini. Paolini battled hard to secure a 6-2 4-6 6-4 victory over Rybakina. Paolini, who reached the semi-finals in both singles and doubles on the same day, credited her experienced playing partner, Sara Errani, for her success.
Paolini, who has never gone past the 4th round at a Grand Slam, valued Errani’s guidance and support throughout her matches. Both players showed determination and skill on the court, leading to unexpected results in the tournament.
