The elimination of [Aryna Sabalenka](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/sabalenka-e-shnaider-em-busca-de-vagas-nas-meias-finais-do-open-frances/) in the quarter-finals of the 2026 French Open was surrounded by controversy and a mix of frustration and deep reflection from the world number one. The Belarusian tennis player, who had been on a dominant winning streak in straight sets, saw her dream of winning the title at [Roland Garros](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/marta-kostyuk-orgulhosa-apos-emocionante-percurso-em-roland-garros/) fade away against the young revelation Diana Shnaider, in a match marked by adverse weather conditions that, according to Sabalenka, decisively influenced the outcome.
After losing 3-6, 7-5, 6-0, Sabalenka did not hesitate to openly criticize the organizers’ decision to keep the roof open on Court Philippe-Chatrier, despite the strong winds blowing that day — reports indicated gusts of around 42 km/h. “I don’t understand why they kept the roof open when there was such strong wind. It felt like we were going crazy,” the player vented at the post-match press conference. “For me, it became mentally unbearable; I felt like we were all losing control.”
The Belarusian star also recalled the controversy from the previous year when she faced Coco Gauff in the final of the same tournament. Although she started strong with a 4-1 lead in the first set, her aggression was undermined by the weather conditions, while the following day, during the men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the roof was closed to ensure more stable conditions. “Last year, for our match, they kept the roof open, but the next day they closed it for the men. I wonder why,” Sabalenka added, questioning the fairness of the organizers regarding the playing conditions.
The defeat against sensation Diana Shnaider, who achieved the best performance of her career by reaching the semi-finals of a Grand Slam, also brought an unprecedented moment for Sabalenka: it was the first “bagel” she suffered in over two years, a symbol of her abrupt fall. Psychologically shaken, the world number one even admitted to having considered quitting tennis: “I have no thoughts, no emotions. I just want to quit tennis right now. But let’s see, I hope to be able to recover mentally in the coming days.”
The controversy extended beyond the court, with former tennis player Sam Querrey publicly supporting Sabalenka during the Nothing Major Show. Querrey argued that the Belarusian’s defeat cannot be attributed solely to the wind: “She was leading 6-3, 4-1, with two breaks and serving for the match. The wind was not the main cause. Shnaider handled the ball better and Sabalenka crumbled mentally. When the weather is bad, the roof should close to ensure fair conditions.”
Diana Shnaider, for her part, acknowledged that her opponent’s emotional instability was a decisive factor in her victory. “I saw moments of frustration in her. I know Aryna; she is very emotional, like me. But I managed to stay focused and not let negative emotions interfere with my game,” said the young tennis player, who is now preparing to face Polish player Maja Chwalinska in the semifinals.
The controversy over the playing conditions at Roland Garros promises to continue fueling debates within the tennis community. Sabalenka’s demand for the roof to be closed in situations of strong wind to ensure competitive equality could become a turning point in the organization of major tournaments. Until then, the world number one will have to pick herself up and find answers for her less successful moment on one of the most iconic stages in world tennis.
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