Naomi Osaka Upsets World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to Reach First Wimbledon Quarter-finals
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Naomi Osaka produced one of the biggest results of the Wimbledon Championships by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) on Sunday to secure a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in her career.
The Japanese star delivered an impressive all-round performance on Centre Court, earning a straight-sets victory over the four-time Grand Slam champion and reversing the result of their meeting at the French Open earlier this year.
With the win, Osaka advanced to the last eight without dropping a set during the tournament.
Osaka Continues Strong Wimbledon Campaign
Seeded 14th, Osaka has shown excellent form throughout Wimbledon 2026 and has looked increasingly comfortable on grass courts.
The 28-year-old, who won her most recent Grand Slam title at the Australian Open five years ago, has continued the positive momentum she built during last season after reaching the US Open semi-finals.
Working with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, Osaka has demonstrated improved consistency and confidence during this year’s tournament.
Quarter-final Clash Awaits
Osaka will next face Czech player Karolina Muchova in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
Muchova secured her place in the last eight after defeating former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in a hard-fought three-set match.
American Jessica Pegula also progressed to the quarter-finals after recovering from the loss of the opening set to defeat fellow American Iva Jovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Djokovic Reaches Another Wimbledon Milestone
In the men’s singles competition, Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarter-finals with a four-set victory over Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin.
The Serbian won 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to register his 106th men’s singles victory at Wimbledon, setting a new tournament record and moving past Roger Federer’s total.
Djokovic has now reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the 17th time and recorded his 66th Grand Slam quarter-final, extending another career milestone.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion remains in contention for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title and will continue his campaign in the next round.
Other Notable Results
Elsewhere in the men’s draw:
- Alexander Bublik defeated 17th seed Frances Tiafoe in a five-set contest.
- Taylor Fritz came from a set down to overcome Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.
- Grigor Dimitrov earned a hard-fought victory over former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini in another five-set encounter.
With several top players advancing and a number of surprising results already recorded, the Wimbledon Championships continue to deliver exciting competition as the tournament moves into the quarter-final stage.
