Diana Shnaider Advances to Roland-Garros Quarterfinals with Victory Over Madison Keys Diana Shnaider, 22, made history at the French Open by defeating Madison Keys in a three-set match, securing her first Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance. The No. 25 seed overcame a second-set slump to triumph on Court Suzanne Lenglen, edging Keys 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 in 1 hour, 44 minutes. The victory ended Shnaider’s eight-match losing streak against Top 20 opponents and marked a significant milestone in her career. Shnaider’s breakthrough came after a challenging run in the tournament. Entering the match, she had lost all previous encounters against Top 20 players, including three meetings against Keys on the WTA Tour. This win improved her record against Top 20 opponents to 3-7, with a notable 2-1 edge on clay courts. The 2026 Roland-Garros tournament marked her 12th career Grand Slam main draw, and this was her first time reaching the fourth round of a major. She had previously advanced to the quarterfinals at the 2024 U.S. Open, but this victory solidified her position as a rising force in women’s tennis. The match against Keys was a test of resilience and mental fortitude. After taking the first set, Shnaider faced a second-set dip, allowing Keys to level the match. However, the 22-year-old regrouped, leveraging her tactical adjustments to dominate the final set. In her post-match interview, Shnaider credited her mental approach as a key factor. “Definitely super happy and proud of myself,” she said. “Again, lost a few times before to Maddie, but today I focused on grinding, using more spin, and staying consistent. Clay is a different surface, so I tried to adapt my game.” Shnaider emphasized the importance of maintaining composure under pressure, particularly after losing the second set.#wta #madison_keys #rolandgarros #diana_shnaider #suzanne_lenglen
Aussie Underdogs Shock Tennis World with Stunning Upsets at Roland-Garros Two Australian players made history at Roland-Garros, delivering dramatic upsets that stunned the tennis world. Adam Walton and Kim Birrell each overcame top-ranked opponents in thrilling five-set matches, marking a rare triumph for the nation’s underdogs on the clay courts of Paris. Walton’s victory over Daniil Medvedev and Birrell’s defeat of Jessica Pegula highlighted the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis, as both players defied the odds to secure their first major wins. Walton, a 27-year-old Queenslander, faced a daunting challenge against Medvedev, the former world No. 1 and 2021 quarter-finalist. The Australian had to rely on a wildcard entry after his ranking plummeted into the triple digits last month, a situation that initially seemed insurmountable. Medvedev, seeded fifth, dominated the early stages of the match, taking the first two sets and leading 2-4 in the deciding set. However, Walton’s resilience shone through as he clawed back, eventually prevailing 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Medvedev’s frustration reaching a peak as he struggled to maintain composure. The Russian, known for his fiery temperament, peppered Walton with over 30 drop shots in the third set, but his errors mounted as the match progressed. A critical moment came when Medvedev double-faulted for 0-40 in the final set, sealing his defeat. Walton, who had served at a blistering pace—75% first serve in the first set and 83% in the third—credited his ability to dictate play and stay calm under pressure. Meanwhile, Kim Birrell, ranked 83rd, stunned the tennis world with her victory over fifth-ranked American Jessica Pegula.#daniil_medvedev #jessica_pegula #rolandgarros #kim_birrell #adam_walton
Retiring Wawrinka embracing the ever-difficult farewell tour Stan Wawrinka, the 41-year-old Swiss tennis legend, is navigating the final chapters of his career with a blend of determination and introspection. Having announced his retirement at the end of 2026, the former Grand Slam champion is facing the unique challenges of a farewell tour, where every match carries the weight of legacy and the pressure to leave a lasting impression. His journey mirrors that of Stefan Edberg, the Swedish great who retired in 1996 after a similarly difficult farewell season, and Wawrinka is reflecting on how such decisions can shape a player’s final years. Wawrinka’s career has been defined by moments of brilliance, including three Grand Slam titles, a Davis Cup triumph, an Olympic gold medal, and 16 international titles. His one-handed backhand, a weapon that made him nearly unstoppable on his best days, remains a hallmark of his game. Yet, as he approaches the twilight of his career, the physical and mental demands of competing at the highest level have become more pronounced. Ranked just outside the top 100 after a strong performance at Monte-Carlo, where he won one match and pushed Sebastian Baez to a tight second-round encounter, Wawrinka knows he will rely heavily on wildcards to secure his place in major tournaments like Roland-Garros and Wimbledon. The decision to announce his retirement publicly has added an extra layer of pressure, both for Wawrinka and the tournaments he plays. While some argue that declaring a farewell tour creates unnecessary expectations, Wawrinka insists he is still driven by the same competitive spirit that carried him through decades of success. “If I want to play the year full, I need to keep the mindset as a competitor,” he said in Monte-Carlo. “So I’m always pushing myself.#wimbledon #stan_wawrinka #monte_carlo #rolandgarros #stefan_edberg
Marta Kostyuk issues statement after withdrawing from the Italian Open Marta Kostyuk’s hopes of capturing a second consecutive WTA 1000 title have been ended, as the Ukrainian star withdrew from the Italian Open following a hip injury. The 23-year-old, who recently secured her first WTA 1000 title by defeating Mirra Andreeva in the Madrid Open final, posted an emotional Instagram message following her victory, calling the achievement a “dream come true.” Her triumph in Madrid marked a career milestone, propelling her to a career-high world ranking of 15. Kostyuk’s withdrawal from the Italian Open came just days after her Madrid success, with the tournament scheduled to take place from May 17 to 23. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she explained that her body had “other plans” and that she was dealing with a hip issue. She also mentioned that her ankle, which had not fully recovered from a previous injury, made it “not smart to keep pushing” at this stage. The decision to skip the Italian Open was particularly difficult for Kostyuk, as the event holds sentimental value for her. She highlighted the “special place” Rome holds in her career, citing the fans, the atmosphere, and the food as reasons for her attachment to the tournament. Despite the setback, Kostyuk expressed optimism about her future, stating that her focus is now on the French Open. She hinted at her intentions during a press conference in Madrid, where she mentioned that Roland Garros, which begins on May 24, was “in three weeks” but had not yet been her primary focus. She emphasized the importance of recovery, noting that the Strasbourg Open, which runs from May 17 to 23, would be her next challenge before the French Open. Her comments suggest a strategic approach to her season, balancing immediate health concerns with long-term goals.#martakostyuk #italianopen #madridopen #frenchopen #rolandgarros
