Maria Sakkari stuns French Open defending champion Iga Swiatek

Greek 17th seed now highest-ranked player in tournament
Barbora Krejcikova ends Coco Gauff’s grand slam title hopes

The champion is gone and, along with her, the last pillar of stability in the women’s French Open draw. Iga Swiatek was defeated 6-4, 6-4 after a supreme, gutsy performance from Maria Sakkari of Greece. Swiatek’s departure means this year’s Roland Garros will see four first-time grand slam semi-finalists all battling for a maiden major title, with more tense, thrilling uncertainty to come.

For four successful rounds, Swiatek had handled her title defence with class, overcoming numerous spirited opponents without conceding a set, only reinforcing her presence as the tournament favourite as other top players fell. But when the fall came for the Pole, it was a logical outcome.