There were two big upsets in the quarter-finals of the women’s singles at the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on Wednesday

The 12th seeded Jasmine Paolini knocked out the 4th seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in three-sets to advance to the semi-finals.

The 28-year-old beat the 2022 Wimbledon champion 6-2, 4-6 and 6-4 to reach the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.

Paolini said this was no doubt the biggest win of her career and she has to keep her emotions in check to close out the match.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling - it was a really tough match,” said Paolini.

“I think I was too emotional in the second set, but then I said to myself ‘Okay, she’s a great champion so it can happen.’ Just fight, try to keep it there, try to hit every ball and it worked – I’m here.”

She will face the 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva of Russia who in turn knocked out the second seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus with a 7-6, 6-4 and 6-4 victory.

Andreeva in turn said for her it was important to just stay focused and not get distracted by the scoreboard.

“I forgot the score at the end, I just tried to stay focused.

“In my second match point, I imagined I was trying to save a breakpoint. I tried to play bravely and I managed to win.

“I see the game, I just play wherever I want, I don't even have a plan. When I see an open space, I try to hit it there.”

“Me and my coach had a plan today, but I didn't remember anything during the match. I just tried to play as I feel.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday in the first semi-final the defending champion, Iga Swiatek will face up against Coco Gauff.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport