Aryna Sabalenka’s defeat by Diana Shnaider at the 2026 French Open was followed by renewed contact with a former psychologist, information from Tennis365. The report identifies the professional as a psychologist. Monica Puig, the 2016 Olympic singles champion, discussed Sabalenka’s struggles on the Inside-In podcast. The account places the episode amid a difficult season and renewed attention to the emotional pressures of elite tennis.
Shnaider beat the world No. 1 in the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros, winning 3-6, 7-5, 6-0. After dropping the first set, she took the second and won the final eight games to reach the semifinals. The result was a major upset in the women’s draw.
Tennis365 reported that Sabalenka had previously ended her working relationship with the psychologist, saying, “Nobody but me can truly help me.” The outlet said she contacted the former psychologist again after the loss. Puig, assessing Sabalenka’s form rather than offering a medical evaluation, said the player was becoming frustrated early in matches and played her best tennis when she stayed composed. “I love her competitive nature, she just needs to kind of reset,” Puig said.
Shnaider’s run ended in the semifinal, where Poland’s Maja Chwalinska defeated her 7-6(7-4), 6-4. Chwalinska, a world No. 114 qualifier, said she felt “overwhelmed” by her unexpected progress through the tournament.
The distinction between a psychologist and a psychiatrist matters when describing Sabalenka’s reported support: the Tennis365 account refers to a former psychologist. Her reported decision to seek that support also comes amid a wider conversation about mental well-being in professional sport, where competition can affect athletes regardless of their ranking or achievements.
