Diana Shnaider advances to French Open semifinal as neutral Russian

Diana Shnaider, a 22‑year‑old Russian‑born player competing without a national flag, upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the 2026 French Open to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal. She faced Polish qualifier Maja Chwalińska, who became the first qualifier ever to reach a Grand Slam final after defeating Shnaider in the semifinal, marking a historic run for the 24‑year‑old.

Shnaider plays as a neutral athlete following the suspension of Russian and Belarusian flags at major tournaments after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The tournament displays a blank or blue rectangle instead of a national emblem, and no anthem is played for Russian winners.

Born in Zhigulevsk, Russia, Shnaider moved to the United States in 2022 to play collegiate tennis for NC State before turning professional. Known for her colorful headscarves and powerful left‑handed forehand, she earned $5.17 million in career prize money before the French Open.