“I had a difficult time out there” – Sabalenka reveals being unwell during Andreeva loss

Sabalenka, in an understandably brief press conference following the loss, explained that she has been suffering with a stomach bug for the past few days and she was unable to shake off the illness in time for her quarter-final against the young Russian.

“I had a difficult time out there physically today. I have been very sick the last few days with some kind of stomach bug, so it’s been a challenge,” the world No 2 revealed.

Sabalenka did well to attend the press conference at all, given her evident discomfort throughout her time on court, and she did even better to fight until the end of the match.

“I always do my best to fight to the end. I had to keep trying and just hope I could find a way and feel a bit better,” she continued.

“From my side, I was just fighting and doing everything I could with my shots to keep going. Mirra is a great player.”

There was little for Sabalenka to add other than to pay tribute to an excellent showing from 17-year-old Andreeva, and explain what was going on physically from her side.

It is testament to just how formidable Sabalenka is, especially on physically-draining courts such as these, that she was able to make such a high-quality contest so competitive for so long.

Against a lesser opponent, she may well have found a way through, as her huge hitting was still a factor for Sabalenka despite feeling unwell.

But Andreeva is not an ordinary opponent. She played wonderful tennis and displayed extraordinary mental fortitude in the biggest match of her young career to reach a well-deserved maiden Grand Slam semi-final.

While both Elena Rybakina and Sabalenka were stunningly knocked out within hours of one another, both suffering with different health issues of some sort, one might think Iga Swiatek has a clear path to a fourth Roland-Garros title.

Yet it is clear that Andreeva is simply destined to do astonishing things in this sport. Should she meet the world No 1 in the final, it would be a fascinating match up and a seminal early encounter in a potential rivalry for the ages.

One must not count out either Coco Gauff or Jasmine Paolini, both excellent players capable of achieving the remarkable.

But with many expecting a third and final chapter to the Sabalenka versus Swiatek 2024 clay-court story, it would feel appropriate for the young woman who vanquished the world No 2 to get a shot at the world No 1 and undisputed Queen of Clay in the final.