What the blistering heat and sun did for Jannik Sinner, so the wind and her own mind did for Aryna Sabalenka. The only remaining grand slam champion left in either the men’s or women’s draw, the top seed and world No 1 did not drop a set in her first four matches at Roland-Garros and only once spent more than an hour and a half on court.
But then came a meeting with 25th seed and first-time grand slam quarter-finalist Diana Shnaider, and a match amid the swirling, lively winds under the open roof of Court Philippe-Chatrier. And by the end of it came a familiar sight as Sabalenka, already a four-time major champion but who has held herself back from winning more, waved sadly to the crowd and made a premature exit, 6-3, 5-7, 0-6.
