World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka said she wants to quit tennis after losing in the quarter-finals [1] of the French Open this week.

The comments from the Belarusian star highlight the immense psychological pressure at the top of the sport, especially following a collapse in a high-stakes match.

Sabalenka faced Diana Shnaider in the quarter-final round [2] at Roland-Garros in Paris. The match turned during the second set when Sabalenka held a four-one lead [3] before ultimately losing the contest.

Following the match, Sabalenka expressed deep frustration during post-match interviews. "I just want to quit tennis right now," Sabalenka said [4].

In further remarks regarding her emotional state, she described herself as devastated. "I’m so devastated, I just want to quit tennis," Sabalenka said [5].

The world No. 1 repeated the sentiment in a video interview, saying again that she just wanted to quit the sport [6]. The defeat marks a significant exit for the top seed in the tournament, as she had been a favorite to advance toward the title.

Sabalenka's reaction comes amid the intense atmosphere of the French Open, where the clay courts often test the mental endurance of the world's best players. While she has a history of dominance on the tour, the loss to Shnaider appeared to trigger an immediate emotional crisis for the athlete.

“"I just want to quit tennis right now."”

This reaction underscores the volatility of mental health and performance for elite athletes. When a world No. 1 publicly contemplates retirement immediately following a loss, it often reflects acute emotional distress rather than a calculated career decision, yet it signals a potential burnout or a crisis of confidence that could impact her upcoming tournament schedule.