Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, has expressed her desire to quit tennis following a shocking defeat to Diana Schnaider in the third round of the French Open 2026. The Belarusian star, who was considered one of the favorites for the title, lost 6-4, 7-6(4) to the unseeded Russian on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Sabalenka's Emotional Reaction
In a post-match press conference, a visibly distraught Sabalenka said, "I want to quit tennis right now. This is one of the toughest losses of my career. I had no answers to her game today." The 28-year-old, known for her powerful groundstrokes, struggled with consistency and made 38 unforced errors compared to Schnaider's 22.
Match Analysis
Schnaider, ranked 67th in the world, played aggressively and neutralized Sabalenka's serve, breaking her three times. The Russian's tactical acumen and composure under pressure were key to her victory. "I just focused on my game plan and stayed calm. Beating Aryna is a dream come true," Schnaider said after the match.
Impact on Sabalenka's Career
This defeat marks Sabalenka's earliest exit at a Grand Slam since the 2023 Australian Open. She had reached the semifinals in Paris in 2024 and 2025. The loss could affect her ranking and mental state heading into the grass-court season. Tennis analysts suggest she may need a break to regroup.
Fan and Expert Reactions
Fans on social media expressed shock and support for Sabalenka. Former tennis star Martina Navratilova tweeted, "Aryna, don't make rash decisions. Every champion faces setbacks. Take time, heal, and come back stronger." However, some critics questioned her mental fortitude in big matches.
What's Next for Sabalenka?
Sabalenka's team has not commented on her future. She is scheduled to play in the Berlin Open next month, but her participation is now uncertain. The tennis world waits to see if the two-time Grand Slam champion will indeed step away from the sport.
