Osaka Stuns Sabalenka to Reach Wimbledon Quarter-Finals

TDT | Manama

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Naomi Osaka produced a stunning upset on Sunday, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) on Centre Court to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time in her career.

The Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion out-served and out-hit her Belarusian rival throughout, handing Sabalenka her earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2022 French Open and her first straight-sets defeat in 122 matches. Osaka clenched her fist and held her racquet to her head in disbelief after sealing victory on her second match point.

It marks a first Wimbledon last-eight run for Osaka, who also reached the French Open’s second week for the first time last month. The win reversed a recent trend, with Sabalenka having won all three of the pair’s previous meetings over the past three months.

“It’s been a long time since I had so much fun on the court,” Osaka said. “To do it here means a lot.”

Sabalenka left Centre Court swiftly as her wait for a first Grand Slam title of the year continues.