Naomi Osaka registered the most stunning win of her post-maternity comeback on Sunday, July 5, delivering a sensational straight-sets upset over World no.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round of Wimbledon 2026. The 14th-seeded Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion on hard courts, showcased her elite power to outmuscle her fellow four-time major winner 6-2, 7-6(2). The historic victory, which she sealed with an explosive forehand service return, marks the Japanese star's first-ever quarterfinal appearance at the All England Club.
Naomi Osaka eliminates Aryna Sabalenka from Wimbledon
The result shattered a remarkable streak for Sabalenka, who had not suffered a straight-sets defeat at a Grand Slam since the 2020 U.S. Open. Furthermore, the Belarusian had dominated their recent rivalry, winning their last three encounters—including a straight-sets victory in the fourth round of Roland Garros earlier in the year. A relieved Osaka, who returned to the tour in January 2024 after a 15-month maternity hiatus, admitted that dropping three consecutive matches to Sabalenka going into the contest had been a heavy mental burden.
Top 3 wiped out of Wimbledon 2026
With Sabalenka's exit following the earlier departures of second seed Elena Rybakina and third seed Iga Swiatek, the top three women's seeds have all been wiped from the tournament. This guarantees that Wimbledon will crown a ninth consecutive first-time women's singles champion this year.
Fourth seed Jessica Pegula now stands as the highest remaining seed in the draw after weathering a three-set battle against teenage compatriot Iva Jovic. The victory improved Pegula's flawless record against fellow Americans to 8-0 for the year, and she could line up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against No. 7 Coco Gauff, provided Gauff gets past No. 11 Belinda Bencic. Meanwhile, Osaka shifts her focus to Tuesday's quarterfinals, where she will face 10th seed Karolina Muchova.
Osaka will next face Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals of the grass tournament. The match is set to take place tomorrow at 3:30 PM IST. Meanwhile, Muchova beat Barbora Krejcikova in the Round of 16 with a score of 7-5, 5-7, 6-3.