Naomi Osaka stunned Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday evening, advancing to the Wimbledon quarter-finals following a 6-2, 7-6 victory over the world number one.
Osaka, the 14th seed in south-west London, beat Sabalenka for the first time this year following three consecutive defeats at other significant WTA events.
For Sabalenka, this latest disappointment came just over a month after the Belarusian’s jaw-dropping defeat to Diana Shnaider in the Roland Garros quarter-finals.
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Sabalenka acknowledged Osaka had overpowered her after the match – a rarity on the professional circuit.
However, the world number one has remained resolute in the face of defeat, issuing a challenge to Osaka.
Aryna Sabalenka challenges Naomi Osaka to maintain her high level of play
“She played really good,” Sabalenka said of Osaka during an interview with BBC Sport after Sunday’s contest. “I played really bad.
“It’s only going to make me stronger, and let’s see if they can stay on this level,” Sabalenka stated, challenging Osaka and her other WTA Tour rivals.
When asked if the loss will motivate her, Sabalenka added: “Of course. I mean, they’re only making me stronger as a player and as a person.
“If they can still on this level constantly… well, well done.”
The world number one also admitted that the loss now gives her an opportunity to ‘have a break and refresh’ ahead of the North American hard-court swing.
- Australian Open: lost to Elena Rybakina in the final
- Roland Garros: lost to Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals
- Wimbledon: lost to Naomi Osaka in the fourth round
“Yeah, I guess so,” she said. “I guess it’s much needed to just go and forget about tennis for a little while and put myself back together.”
Sabalenka played only two tournaments during last year’s North American swing, reaching the quarter-finals in Cincinnati and winning the US Open.
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An underwhelming year for Aryna Sabalenka
After such a positive start to the 2026 campaign, few would have expected Aryna Sabalenka to have zero Grand Slam titles to her name come July.
The Belarusian began the year by reaching the Australian Open final, and winning the coveted ‘Sunshine Double’ [Indian Wells and Miami].
However, her form has dipped significantly since then, and the Belarusian is now once again looking to the US Open as a potential saving grace.
Sabalenka found herself in this position last year after failing to win the Australian Open, Roland Garros, or Wimbledon.
She later won the US Open for a second time, beating American Amanda Anisimova in the championship showpiece.
