Naomi Osaka produced one of the biggest upsets of this year’s Wimbledon by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time.
The Japanese star outplayed Sabalenka 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) on Centre Court, ending the Belarusian’s campaign and securing her maiden appearance in the last eight at the All England Club.
The result marks Sabalenka’s earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2022 French Open and the first time she has lost a major match in straight sets in 122 matches.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, celebrated by holding her racquet to her head in disbelief after converting her second match point.
“It’s been a long time since I had so much fun on the court. To do it here means a lot,” Osaka said.
The victory was Osaka’s first over Sabalenka in four meetings over the past three months. The world number one had won each of their previous encounters.
Osaka matched Sabalenka’s power from the baseline, served effectively and controlled key rallies throughout the contest.
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She will now face Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova for a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Muchova advanced after defeating defending champion Barbora Krejcikova, ensuring Wimbledon will crown a different women’s singles champion for the 10th consecutive edition.
Osaka has shown steady improvement since returning from maternity leave in July 2023.
Her progress has accelerated under coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who previously worked with Iga Swiatek. Under his guidance, Osaka reached the semi-finals of the 2025 US Open before recording career-best runs at the French Open and now Wimbledon.
Asked about her recent success on grass, Osaka credited her coaching team.
“The big Polish man! Shout out Tomasz!
“Shout out to the rest of my team, they are the best. I have so much fun with them and I learn so much from them.
“I’m so grateful they are on this journey with me.”
Osaka dictated play from the opening set, breaking Sabalenka early before taking full control with her powerful serving and aggressive forehand.
She struck 21 winners during the match, including a crucial early forehand that helped establish a double-break advantage in the first set.
Although Sabalenka recovered some composure in the second set, even striking herself on the head with her racquet in frustration, Osaka dominated the tie-break to seal victory.
Sabalenka admitted she was second best on the day and praised Osaka’s performance.
“I didn’t play my best, and she played probably her best. Sometimes that happens,” Sabalenka said.
“Sometimes you can go out there and do everything you can and still lose the match.
“Well done for Naomi. Wishing her the best.”
