Aryna Sabalenka was booed by the Wimbledon crowd after whacking a ball out of Centre Court in frustration, as the world No 1 suffered her earliest grand slam defeat since the 2022 French Open. Naomi Osaka produced a brilliant performance to win 6-2, 7-6, claiming her first victory on Centre Court and snapping Sabalenka’s streak of 21 consecutive tiebreaks won at grand slams.
It was the first time Sabalenka had exited a grand slam in straight sets since the 2020 US Open. Osaka, the former world No 1 and four‑time grand slam champion, moved into the Wimbledon quarter‑finals for the first time in her career, ending Sabalenka’s bid as the women’s draw prepares to crown a new champion for the 10th year running.
“World No1 Aryna Sabalenka was booed after launching a ball out of Centre Court following her straight-sets loss to Naomi Osaka.”
Sabalenka, who praised Osaka for her victory and credited the 14th seed for overpowering her, said she had to restrain herself from smashing her racket against the grass. “I cannot be satisfied with anything today. But I have to say that there was couple times where I could just completely lose it,” she said. “But I was respectful to the grass and to the next players who is going to play there, so I hold myself really good.”
Her wait for a grass‑court title goes on. The world No 1 did not create a single break point against Osaka’s serve while coming under constant pressure. “I feel like my level was really low today, plus she was feeling her best,” Sabalenka added. “With every game we would play, I would feel worse, she would feel better. She would just go for her shots freely. I wouldn't. Maybe next time I should change something in the preparation or my approach should be a little bit different to this match.”
The defeat follows painful exits at the French Open and Australian Open final this season. Asked how she would recover, Sabalenka said: “I don't even want to think about ranking at this point. I just want to go get completely drunk, forget about tennis, and try to get in better shape.”