Naomi Osaka beats No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to reach Wimbledon quarterfinals

Naomi Osaka had one of the biggest wins of her career at Wimbledon on Sunday, July 5.

She beat top-seeded and world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets in the round of 16. Osaka handled Sabalenka 6-2 in the first set and then outlasted her 7-6 (7-2) to take the victory, her first on the famed Centre Court, which Osaka said in her post-match interview is “so special.” The win was her first time beating Sabalenka in eight years, since the 2018 U.S. Open. She had already lost three times this year to the Belarusian star.

“I think it was a really fun match. I’m really grateful,” Osaka said as the crowd laughed. “Even if I lost, I would still think it was a great match. But no, it was really fun.”

Osaka pointed out her mother, Tamaki Osaka, in her player’s box. She thanked her for her Japanese cooking, which she said “powered” her. Tamaki, wearing a white sunhat, sunglasses and white gloves, blew kisses to her daughter. The tennis star’s kimono and cherry blossom-inspired outfits at the tournament have paid tribute to her Japanese heritage.

The four-time major winner has appeared in six Wimbledon competitions. This year marks her first time making it to the quarterfinals. She will face Karolína Muchová on Tuesday, July 7.

In 2021, she shockingly withdrew from the French Open to focus on her mental health. At the English tournament, she reflected on where she’s at in her tennis journey.

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