Aryna Sabalenka, the world No.1, crashed out of Wimbledon in the fourth round on Sunday, losing 6-2 7-6(2) to Naomi Osaka. In a moment of frustration after the match, Sabalenka smashed a ball high into the air, nearly clearing the Centre Court roof, but the incident was not shown by BBC cameras.
Osaka's Commanding Victory
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, delivered a dominant performance, breaking Sabalenka twice in the first set. Sabalenka, who had not lost before the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam since 2022, struggled with her composure, throwing her arms towards her coaching box and repeatedly hitting her racket against her head.
Second Set Tiebreak
Sabalenka improved in the second set, but Osaka conceded just 15 points on her serve and was the more aggressive player. Sabalenka had not lost a tiebreak at a Grand Slam since the 2023 French Open semi-finals, but Osaka won the tiebreak 7-2. Sabalenka saved the first match point with an ace but could not retrieve Osaka's return on the second, sending the ball into the net.
Post-Match Reaction
After the match, Sabalenka quickly arrived at her post-match press conference, similar to her reaction after a loss to Coco Gauff at the 2025 French Open. She said, "I cannot be satisfied with anything today. But I have to say that there were a couple of times where I could just completely lose it. But I was respectful to the grass and to the next players who are going to play there, so I held myself really good." When reminded of the ball smash, she smiled and replied, "Yeah, but I hit it outside of the stadium, I believe. So you see?"
Osaka's Historic Achievement
Osaka reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time in her career. She is now set to face either Elena Rybakina or Ons Jabeur in the next round. Sabalenka's early exit marks her earliest Grand Slam loss in over four years.
