Aryna Sabalenka was stunned by Naomi Osaka on Monday, 6 July 2026, at Wimbledon, losing 6-2, 7-6 (2) in the fourth round.
What happened?
The top seed Sabalenka was dominated by Osaka from the start, with the Japanese player taking the first set 6-2 in just 32 minutes.
The second set was more competitive, but Osaka stayed cool to win 7-6 (2) and claim her biggest win since returning to the Tour in 2024.
Sabalenka was left frustrated, screaming in anger during the match and blasting a ball out of the Centre Court after netting a backhand on match point.
Why it matters for Aryna Sabalenka
The loss is a significant blow to Sabalenka's chances of winning Wimbledon, and she admitted she was well below her best.
After the match, Sabalenka said she wanted to "get drunk and forget about tennis", showing her disappointment at the defeat.
What comes next?
Osaka will face 10th seed Karolina Muchová in the quarterfinals, and the women's draw is now wide open with no clear favourite.
Sabalenka's defeat follows the elimination of other top seeds Elena Rybakina and Iga Świątek, making the tournament more unpredictable.
The match between Osaka and Sabalenka was highly anticipated, with both players having four Grand Slam titles each on hardcourt surfaces.
Osaka's win is a significant turnaround, given that she had lost to Sabalenka in their previous three meetings.
The Japanese player was thrilled with her victory, saying it was a "really fun match" and that she was grateful for the win.
Sabalenka and Osaka have had different career trajectories, with Osaka winning all her Grand Slam titles before Sabalenka found her groove and captured her first at the 2023 Australian Open.
The two players had not faced each other in almost eight years, since Osaka beat Sabalenka on her way to the 2018 US Open title.
They met again at this year's French Open, where Sabalenka prevailed, but Osaka has now gained revenge with her win at Wimbledon.
The match was a thrilling encounter, with Osaka's dazzling tennis causing a buzz and turning heads.
Her Japanese-inspired walk-on outfits have also been a talking point, but it is her tennis that is now beginning to make a real impact.
Osaka's victory has set up an intriguing quarterfinal match against Muchová, and the women's draw is now full of possibilities.
The tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with several players still in contention for the title.
Sabalenka's defeat may be a setback, but she will look to bounce back and regain her form in the coming weeks.
For now, Osaka is the one to watch, and her win over Sabalenka has made her a serious contender for the Wimbledon title.