French Open: Chaos Erupts as Major Technical Glitch Gifts Aryna Sabalenka a Shocking Edge in Heated Battle

Aryna Sabalenka had always had the upper hand against Qinwen Zheng. Six meetings, six wins, including that commanding performance in the 2024 Australian Open final. But last month, Zheng finally turned the tables. On Rome’s red clay, no less, she took down the World No. 1 in the quarterfinals, announcing that the tide might just be turning. And now, in a dramatic French Open rematch, they’re at it again, this time under the spotlight of Court Philippe Chatrier. Tensions are already running high, with a heated point dispute adding fuel to the fire.

It’s a clash between two serious contenders. Zheng, the reigning Olympic champion, made history on these very grounds last summer when she stunned four-time French Open winner Iga Swiatek to clinch gold. Aryna Sabalenka, meanwhile, is fighting to finally go the distance at Roland Garros. This is her third straight quarterfinal in Paris — she fell in the semis in 2023 and bowed out at this stage last year.

The first set brought the drama early. At 4-5, 30-all, Zheng halted the rally, convinced Sabalenka’s shot had sailed long. The chair umpire came down to inspect the mark and ruled it in. But Hawk-Eye had a different story as it showed the ball was out. That controversial call handed Sabalenka a crucial set point.

But Zheng wasn’t done. She shook off the disappointment, broke back, and pushed the set to a tiebreak. Despite her efforts, Sabalenka clinched the first set.

Qinwen Zheng stopped play at 4-5, 30-30 because she thought Aryna Sabalenka’s ball was out.

The umpire comes to check it and she says the ball was in.

Hawkeye disagrees with the umpire’s decision.

This call gave Aryna a set point… crucial moment. pic.twitter.com/L5NQuL0Sig

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 3, 2025

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