Naomi Osaka made a huge statement at Wimbledon, knocking out world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 7-6(2) on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in her career.
The Japanese 14th seed, who began her Wimbledon campaign in a kimono-inspired outfit inspired by her favourite character from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, played some of her best tennis in years to secure one of the biggest wins of the tournament.
Osaka’s victory came after defending champion Iga Swiatek and 2022 winner Elena Rybakina had already been knocked out in the third round, meaning the top three women’s seeds are all out. Later on Sunday, Barbora Krejcikova also exited after losing to fellow Czech Karolina Muchova, guaranteeing Wimbledon will crown a first-time women’s singles champion for the ninth year in a row.
In the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic stayed on course for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, although he admitted he was far from his best in a 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin.
“To be honest, I didn’t feel great on the court today. I was just relieved to get through and win,” Djokovic said after claiming his 106th Wimbledon match victory, moving past Roger Federer for the most men’s singles wins at the tournament.
“It wasn’t a match I really enjoyed.”
Despite the inconsistent performance, the 39-year-old reached his 17th Wimbledon quarter-final. He is now one win away from a possible semi-final clash with defending champion and top seed Jannik Sinner, who comfortably beat Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 7-6(0), 6-3.
Before that, Djokovic must overcome Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a gruelling four-hour, 26-minute match that ended with a heated exchange at the net.
Sinner, meanwhile, has yet to face a seeded opponent and will next meet Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff. The 36-year-old reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final on his 47th attempt after Hubert Hurkacz retired with a hip injury while trailing.
The biggest match of the day was the showdown between Sabalenka and Osaka, two former world No. 1 players with four Grand Slam titles each.
Although Sabalenka had beaten Osaka three times this season, including at the French Open, this time the Japanese star completely turned the tables. Osaka struck the ball with confidence and precision, leaving Sabalenka frustrated throughout the match.
It was Osaka’s biggest victory since returning to the tour after becoming a mother in 2024.
“I’ve not had this much fun on court in a long time,” Osaka said. “Doing it here means so much. I’d lost to her three times in a row, so I really wanted to change that.”
Asked about wearing a more understated outfit before the match, Osaka smiled and said, “I really wanted to focus on my tennis, so I kept it simple this time.”
Sabalenka’s Wimbledon disappointment continued after three straight semi-final exits in previous years. Frustrated after the loss, she smashed a ball into the roof of Centre Court before later telling reporters: “Now I just want to get drunk and forget about tennis.”
Osaka will next face 10th seed Karolina Muchova, who defeated defending champion Barbora Krejcikova 7-5, 5-7, 6-3.
Elsewhere, Jessica Pegula came from a set down to beat 18-year-old Iva Jovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 and equal her best Wimbledon result. She will next face fellow American Coco Gauff, who fought back to defeat Belinda Bencic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 just minutes before Wimbledon’s 11 p.m. curfew.
