Osaka Stuns World No 1 Sabalenka to Reach First Wimbledon Quarterfinal

Naomi Osaka produced one of the standout performances of her career on Sunday, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the first time.

The victory on Centre Court avenged a straight-sets defeat to Sabalenka at the French Open last 16 in June, with Osaka eliminating her fellow four-time Grand Slam champion in commanding fashion.

A long-awaited return to form

It has been five years since Osaka claimed her most recent Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Now 28, she has rebuilt her game under coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who previously mentored Iga Swiatek.

That partnership helped Osaka reach the semifinals of the US Open last year, and she has carried the momentum into 2026. At this Wimbledon, seeded 14th, she has yet to drop a set across her opening four matches.

Osaka has also drawn attention for her striking walk-on outfits, which have included a kimono, a bomber jacket with a long train, and a cloak resembling an open kimono. She believes the focus on her fashion has eased the pressure on her tennis.

A statement win on Centre Court

Osaka broke in the third game of the first set with a fierce backhand that flew past Sabalenka. Blasting powerful groundstrokes from the baseline, she rattled her opponent so thoroughly that Sabalenka let out an anguished scream after being broken a second time.

Known to struggle in windy conditions, Sabalenka lost her rhythm and left the court for a break before the second set. She repeatedly banged her racquet against her head as Osaka pushed the set to a tie-break.

Sabalenka had won her previous 21 Grand Slam tie-breaks, but Osaka remained composed and closed out the match with a flourish.

Reflections and family support

"For me, this court is so special. This is the first match I've won on this court. It means a lot," Osaka said afterwards. "It's been a long time since I've had so much fun on the court, and to do it here really means a lot."

She also referenced her previous losses to Sabalenka. "I lost to her three times in a row. That really sucked. I wanted to have the opportunity to overturn that."

Osaka credited her mother's home cooking, praising her from the players' box. "She cooks a lot. I feel like her cooking is powering me. I would like another meal tonight. She cooks a lot of Japanese food."

The two players had met three times in 2026 before this encounter, with Sabalenka winning at Indian Wells, Madrid and Roland Garros. The defeat ended the Belarusian's bid for a 15th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal.

Sabalenka had reached the semifinals on each of her past three visits to Wimbledon but has never made the final. The result followed a surprise loss to Diana Shnaider in the French Open quarterfinals.

What comes next

Osaka will face Czechia's 10th seed Karolina Muchova for a place in the last four. With her confidence high and her game clicking on grass, the Japanese star will look to extend her run at a tournament where she is now enjoying her best-ever campaign.

Osaka's revival has been one of the compelling storylines of the fortnight. Do you think she can go all the way at Wimbledon? Share this article and join the conversation.

Source: Al Jazeera English